Google is urging African governments to classify fibre optic cables as critical infrastructure to shield them from rising attacks and thefts, a measure that could also encourage more tech investment across the continent. Charles Murito, Google’s Head of Government Relations and Public Policy in Africa, emphasized this at the Africa Tech conference on Thursday, highlighting that designating fibre cables as critical assets would impose stricter penalties on those damaging or stealing from network infrastructure.
Murito noted that criminal syndicates have increasingly targeted fibre networks, digging up cables and stealing generators and batteries from telecom towers, creating added costs for infrastructure providers. “When you classify that as a critical investment, then that ensures that if people maliciously damage that investment, then there are stringent repercussions,” Murito said.
Google has heavily invested in African tech infrastructure, including its Equiano subsea cable that links Africa to Europe, and recently announced Umoja, a subsea cable project that will provide Africa’s first direct fibre optic route to Australia. These projects, Murito explained, are crucial to enhancing connectivity, but further development could be bolstered if governments take steps to improve protections and standardize regulations across countries.
Telecom executives echo this sentiment, arguing that improved security for fibre infrastructure and mobile towers would reassure investors and reduce data costs. Currently, policies around cable permissions and installation vary across Africa, creating logistical and financial hurdles for tech and telecom companies. Last year, mobile internet penetration in Africa was just 27%, underscoring the need for more cohesive infrastructure expansion.
Murito also recommended that African governments encourage shared use of fibre infrastructure among service providers, a move that could reduce data costs and boost digital access across the continent.
In South Africa, authorities have acknowledged the issue, urging police to take action against infrastructure theft, though no formal classification of fibre as critical infrastructure has been proposed. Industry leaders hope that Africa-wide policy alignment will soon address the continent’s connectivity challenges, attracting more global investment in digital growth.
