The European Union has committed €37 million ($42.8 million) to support the extension of Google’s Blue-Raman undersea cable system into East Africa, strengthening digital connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as reported by Business Insider Africa. The funding forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to expand secure digital infrastructure and improve internet access across emerging markets. European officials said the investment will help bridge connectivity gaps, enhance data transmission capacity, and support the region’s growing digital economy.
The Blue-Raman cable, developed by Google, is designed to connect Europe with India through the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Red Sea while creating additional routes that improve network resilience and reduce dependence on existing infrastructure. According to the European Commission, the East Africa extension will improve access to high-speed internet services, lower connectivity costs, and strengthen digital links for businesses, governments, and technology providers across the region. The project aligns with broader efforts to expand digital infrastructure and data capacity in some of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
The investment comes amid increasing competition among global powers to finance Africa’s digital infrastructure, including subsea cables, data centres, cloud services, and broadband networks. Industry analysts note that reliable international connectivity has become a critical driver of economic growth, supporting sectors such as financial technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital public services. The World Bank has previously highlighted broadband expansion as a key factor in accelerating economic development and digital inclusion across the continent.
For East Africa, the cable extension could strengthen the region’s position as an emerging technology and innovation hub while attracting further investment into digital services and infrastructure. Analysts say improved connectivity will enhance the competitiveness of local businesses, support cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and provide a foundation for future growth in the digital economy. The project also reinforces Europe’s strategic interest in deepening economic and technological partnerships with Africa through long-term infrastructure investments.
