• Partnership aims to deploy cross-border fiber in Central and East Africa

• Nokia’s technology will support speeds of up to 38 terabits per second

• Project to boost digital connectivity and economic growth across the region

Telecom group Airtel Africa announced on November 11 a partnership with Finnish technology company Nokia to deploy a high-capacity fiber optic network in Central and East Africa. The network will be implemented by Telesonic, Airtel Africa’s wholesale fiber subsidiary, to meet growing demand for connectivity.

The project was unveiled on the sidelines of the 28th edition of AfricaCom, the major connectivity event in Africa held in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 10 to 13. It aims to connect several African countries and link submarine cables, including 2Africa, to terrestrial networks. Using Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) platform, the infrastructure will be able to handle up to 38 terabits per second (Tbps), enabling fast, secure, and large-scale data transfers.

“Our collaboration with Nokia is an important step in developing Africa’s digital infrastructure. By leveraging Nokia’s cutting-edge fiber solutions, we aim to meet the continent’s growing data demand. This network will drive economic growth, empower communities, and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals,” said Prasanta Das Sarma, Managing Director of Airtel Africa Telesonic.

Launched in February 2024, Telesonic was created to meet the growing wholesale data capacity needs amid Africa’s accelerating digital transformation. According to GSMA, mobile data traffic in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase by around 6 GB per connection per month between 2023 and 2030. This growth will be driven by the expansion of broadband coverage, rising smartphone penetration, and higher demand for data-heavy content such as online gaming and video streaming. By the end of 2024, only 28% of the region’s population used mobile Internet, a figure expected to reach 33% by 2030.

The launch of Telesonic is part of Airtel Africa’s diversification strategy, similar to other telecom operators on the continent, to expand revenue streams beyond traditional telecom services. In addition to fiber, the group has created subsidiaries focused on data centers and digital advertising. In the first half of its 2026 fiscal year, ending in September, Airtel Africa recorded $2.98 billion in revenue, including $1.16 billion from data services.