Angola sells fiber optic cables

Angola Cables has not been sold, but partial privatization or strategic partnerships are under discussion. Angola Cables is a Luanda-based telecommunications infrastructure company that operates submarine fiber optic cable systems connecting Angola to the Americas, Europe, and Africa, including the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS), MONET, and WACS. The company is majority-owned by Angola Telecom, the state telecommunications operator, with minority stakes held by other Angolan telecom companies.

It functions as a wholesale carrier, providing capacity to ISPs, mobile operators, and enterprise clients across Angola and internationally.

Privatization and Strategic Partnerships

The Angolan government has discussed partial privatization or strategic partnerships for Angola Cables under the PROPRIV program, which aims to attract private investment in state-owned enterprises. However, no formal timeline or completed sale has been announced. This indicates that while the company may be partially privatized in the future, it remains under state control.

Recent Business Developments

Angola Cables has recently entered a strategic partnership with Uniti Wholesale in the US, combining its submarine cable infrastructure with Uniti's terrestrial fiber network. This partnership expands transatlantic connectivity and provides secure, high-capacity international links for enterprises, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, aviation, logistics, and healthcare. The deal strengthens Angola Cables' global market position without transferring ownership, highlighting its role as a key enabler of Angola's digital economy and international connectivity.

Strategic Importance

The company's infrastructure is critical for Angola's digital transformation and economic development, supporting petroleum sector operations, financial systems, government communications, and broader enterprise connectivity. Its submarine cables reduce latency between Africa and South America and position Luanda as a regional digital hub. In summary, Angola Cables has not been sold, but the government is exploring partial privatization or strategic partnerships, while the company continues to expand its international connectivity through collaborations like the Uniti Wholesale agreement.