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Hon. Kromah meets ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure

Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project to Boost Connectivity and Digital Integration Across West Africa.

Monrovia, Liberia – April 18, 2024 – The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to discuss the deployment of the Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project. This initiative aims to bolster international connectivity and digital infrastructure in Liberia, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

Led by Commissioner Sediko Douka, the delegation outlined the mission’s objective: to ensure alignment with the deployment process of the Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project among the participating countries. Key discussions centered on establishing a Special Project Vehicle (SPV) to manage the cable and securing financing, with the World Bank and other partners expressing interest.

Commissioner Douka highlighted progress made by Guinea and The Gambia, which have secured funding allocations through the World Bank’s West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program. Discussions are ongoing with other development partners to support remaining countries, contingent upon official financing requests from respective governments.

Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Sekou M. Kromah underscored the project’s importance, particularly in light of recent internet disruptions in the region. Acting Minister of Finance and Development Planning Anthony Myers affirmed the ministry’s support, indicating their intent to join the WARDIP project.

The meeting concluded with the delegation meeting H.E. President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., who emphasized the significance of expanding internet connectivity. President Boakai urged accountability in project execution and expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS delegation for their foresight.

The Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project spans 3,130 km, from Praia, Cabo Verde to Monrovia, Liberia, with four branching units to the remaining countries. The full system cost 91.3 Million with Liberia’s portion estimated at $14.29 million. However, through collaboration with ECOWAS’ Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU) and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Liberia aims to achieve several key objectives which include, Increase Broadband Capacity, Ensure Redundancy in Connectivity, and Strengthen Regional Integration.

Project milestones include the validation of a Detailed Feasibility Study, the signing of the project Memoranda of Understanding and the adoption of the final communique. Liberia commits to collaborating with the private sector in expediting the establishment of the Nation Special Project Vehicle (SPV) and facilitating the necessary permits for the project implementation.

Furthermore, Liberia intends to endorse a $4.5 million project preparation seed fund to accelerate project readiness and maintain regional cooperation. The Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project signifies a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and digital integration across West Africa, fostering sustainable development in the region.