Paratus Launches Fibre Link Connecting Kenya’s Coast to Eastern Congo

Pan-African telecommunications company Paratus Group has activated a new fibre-optic route linking the Kenyan port city of Mombasa to Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, expanding cross-border connectivity in East Africa.

The 2,000-kilometre terrestrial network runs through Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali, connecting major commercial centres in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda before reaching Goma.

The company said the route is now operational and carrying traffic for wholesale customers.

The new link connects inland markets to undersea cable systems landing at the Kenyan coast, providing access to international internet capacity.

It also links to data centres in the cities along the route.

Paratus operates in East Africa through subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda and works with local partners, including Roke Telkom in Uganda and MoveOn Telecoms in Kenya.

The company said the route complements its existing network in the region and its wider fibre backbone running from southern to western Africa, which connects to subsea cables serving Europe.

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries have faced persistent challenges in accessing reliable and affordable international connectivity, partly due to limited infrastructure and security risks.

Paratus Chief Commercial Officer Martin Cox said the company aims to improve cross-border connectivity for telecom operators and large businesses operating in the region.

East Africa, home to more than 200 million people, has seen rising demand for data and digital services, driven by growth in sectors such as finance, mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

Regional governments and private operators have stepped up investment in fibre networks and data centres in recent years as part of efforts to support digital trade and economic integration.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org