Background: |
|---|
Submarine cable systems are the backbone of global connectivity, carrying over 95% of international communications and internet traffic. Africa’s digital transformation and socio-economic development are highly dependent on the security, resilience, and expansion of these systems. However, submarine cables face multiple risks including physical damage, cyber threats, inadequate redundancy, and governance challenges. To address these issues, the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), in partnership with the Africa Subsea Ecosystem Forum (ASEF) is organizing an online Capacity Building Workshop on Submarine Cable Resilience. The workshop will enhance the technical, policy, and regulatory knowledge of African stakeholders to safeguard this critical infrastructure. |
Objectives: |
| The main objectives of the workshop are to: Build capacity of African member states, regulators, operators, and industry players on submarine cable resilience and security.
|
Expected Outcomes |
| Enhanced knowledge and technical expertise on submarine cable resilience. Strengthened policy and regulatory frameworks for subsea infrastructure protection in Africa. Improved collaboration and coordination among stakeholders at continental and global levels. Concrete standards and policies related to submarine cable systems. |
Participants: |
| The workshop meeting will bring together: ATU Member States, Associate Members and Regulators
|
Format and Duration: 2hrs: |
| Format: online capacity building workshop with expert presentations, case studies, recommendations and call for action
|
Venue and Date: |
| 10th December 2025; Virtual
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Partners: |
     |
Conclusion: |
| The ATU–ASEF workshop will provide a timely platform to strengthen Africa’s resilience in submarine cable systems and ensure the continent’s coordinated engagement. By combining technical knowledge building with policy preparation, the initiative supports Africa’s long-term digital transformation and connectivity agenda.
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| – | – |
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| Opening Session |
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| Moderator 1: | Setting the Context |
| Presentation: Presentation: |
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| Technical Perspectives | |
| Session 1: Session 2: Session 3: |
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| Q&A Session | |
| Break Session | |
| Moderator 2: | Policy and Regulatory Dimensions |
| Panel Discussion: |
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| Regional and Global Cooperation | |
| |
| Q&A Session | |
| Conclusion |
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| Closing Session |
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| – | |
- Concept Note - En
Background:
Submarine cable systems are the backbone of global connectivity, carrying over 95% of international communications and internet traffic. Africa’s digital transformation and socio-economic development are highly dependent on the security, resilience, and expansion of these systems. However, submarine cables face multiple risks including physical damage, cyber threats, inadequate redundancy, and governance challenges.
To address these issues, the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), in partnership with the Africa Subsea Ecosystem Forum (ASEF) is organizing an online Capacity Building Workshop on Submarine Cable Resilience. The workshop will enhance the technical, policy, and regulatory knowledge of African stakeholders to safeguard this critical infrastructure.
Objectives:
The main objectives of the workshop are to: Build capacity of African member states, regulators, operators, and industry players on submarine cable resilience and security.
Share best practices on planning, deployment, protection, and maintenance of submarine cable systems.
Strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration in protecting critical subsea infrastructure.
Align discussions with ITU priorities related to submarine cables, resilience, and digital infrastructure.Expected Outcomes
Enhanced knowledge and technical expertise on submarine cable resilience.
Strengthened policy and regulatory frameworks for subsea infrastructure protection in Africa.
Improved collaboration and coordination among stakeholders at continental and global levels.
Concrete standards and policies related to submarine cable systems.Participants:
The workshop meeting will bring together: ATU Member States, Associate Members and Regulators
Submarine Cable Operators and Industry Players
Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
International Partners and Standards Bodies (e.g. ITU, ICPC, ISOC)
Academia and Research Institutions
Civil Society OrganizationsFormat and Duration: 2hrs:
Format: online capacity building workshop with expert presentations, case studies, recommendations and call for action Venue and Date:
10th December 2025; Virtual Partners:
Conclusion:
The ATU–ASEF workshop will provide a timely platform to strengthen Africa’s resilience in submarine cable systems and ensure the continent’s coordinated engagement. By combining technical knowledge building with policy preparation, the initiative supports Africa’s long-term digital transformation and connectivity agenda. . - Draft Program- En
– – Opening Session - Welcome Remarks – ASEF CEO
- Opening Address – ATU Secretary General
- Keynote Address: The Strategic Importance of Submarine Cable Resilience for Africa’s Digital Future – Minister of Communications Innovation & Digital, Nigeria
Moderator 1: Setting the Context Presentation: Presentation:
- Global Trends in Submarine Cable Infrastructure and Risks (Regional Subsea Cable Operator)
- Current State of Submarine Cables in Africa: Opportunities and Vulnerabilities
Technical Perspectives Session 1: Session 2:
Session 3:
- Best Practices in Submarine Cable Deployment and Maintenance
- Cybersecurity, Redundancy, and Data Protection in Submarine Cable Networks
- Emerging Technologies for Enhancing Cable Resilience (AI, Satellite Integration, Monitoring Tools)
Q&A Session Break Session Moderator 2: Policy and Regulatory Dimensions Panel Discussion: - Strengthening Standards, Policy, Legal, and Regulatory Frameworks for Submarine Cable Protection in Africa
Regional and Global Cooperation - Lessons from Other Regions on Submarine Cable Resilience
- Public-Private Partnerships and Investment Models for Africa’s Cable Infrastructure
Q&A Session Conclusion - A call for action & follow-up activities
Closing Session - Closing Remarks – ASEF and ATU
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