The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Liberia has unveiled a strategic collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization and the World Bank to develop a Second Submarine Cable, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing regional digital infrastructure.
The project, which also involves the ECOWAS Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU), seeks to bolster internet connectivity and resilience in Liberia, alongside four neighboring West African nations Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. These countries currently depend on a single critical connection, the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) cable, for international internet access.
To kick off the project, ECOWAS has commissioned TACTIS, a leading telecommunications and fiber optics consultancy, to conduct a detailed feasibility study. The TACTIS delegation has arrived in Liberia and is set to carry out stakeholder consultations and site visits. The team’s itinerary includes an inspection of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, and the proposed landing site for the new cable.
Economic development
According to officials, the Second Submarine Cable is expected to serve as a vital redundancy for the region, ensuring more reliable, secure, and high-speed internet services. It forms part of broader efforts to advance digital inclusion and socio-economic development across West Africa.
“This initiative marks a pivotal step in Liberia’s digital transformation journey,” the Ministry stated. “By improving our digital backbone, we are laying the foundation for a stronger digital economy, increased innovation, and inclusive access to online services for all citizens.”
The partnership underscores Liberia’s growing role in shaping regional connectivity solutions and highlights ECOWAS’s commitment to fostering digital growth through collaborative infrastructure development. Once operational, the Second Submarine Cable will not only enhance Liberia’s digital resilience but also support broader goals of economic diversification, education, and innovation across the sub-region.