Google says it plans to build a new fibre optic cable, named Umoja, to connect Africa to Australia.

According to a statement on Thursday, Umoja will be the first ever fibre optic route to directly connect Africa with Australia.

Anchored in Kenya, Google said the Umoja cable route will transverse Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, including the Google Cloud region, before crossing the Indian Ocean into Australia.

“Umoja’s terrestrial path was built in collaboration with Liquid Technologies to form a highly scalable route through Africa, including access points that will allow other countries to take advantage of the network,” Google said.

“Umoja, which is the Swahili word for unity, joins Equiano in an initiative called Africa Connect. Umoja will enable African countries to more reliably connect with each other and the rest of the world.

“Establishing a new route distinct from existing connectivity routes is critical to maintaining a resilient network for a region that has historically experienced high-impact outages.”

Google expressed gratitude for the collaboration from leaders across Africa and Australia to deliver ‘Africa Connect’ to people, businesses, and governments in Africa and around the world.

Meg Whitman, US ambassador to Kenya, said access to cutting-edge technology, supported by reliable and resilient digital infrastructure, is critical to expanding economic opportunity.

“This is a meaningful moment for Kenya’s digital transformation journey and the benefits of today’s announcement will cascade across the region,” Whitman said.

Also speaking on the feat, William Ruto, president of Kenya, said the new intercontinental fibre optic route will significantly boost global and regional digital infrastructure.

“This initiative is crucial in ensuring the redundancy and resilience of our region’s connectivity to the rest of the world, especially in light of recent disruptions caused by cuts to sub-sea cables,” he said.

“By strengthening our digital backbone, we are not only improving reliability but also paving the way for increased digital inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunities for our people and businesses.”

On her part, Michelle Rowland, Australian minister for communications, said diversifying Australia’s connectivity and supporting digital inclusion across the globe are both critical goals, and Google’s Umoja cable would help to achieve both.

Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce giant, has altered tradition with its innovative “Tech Month” campaign. Unlike anything seen in the e-commerce sector before, Tech Month has transformed the way Nigerians shop for technology products and home essentials.

This month-long extravaganza, a first of its kind in the Nigerian e-commerce space, is empowering Nigerians by offering massive discounts and deals on tech products, home essentials, and kitchen appliances.

As an authorized distributor for major brands like Apple, Starlink, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, and Zinox and many others, Konga provides Nigerians with unparalleled access to genuine products at unbeatable prices. The campaign has garnered significant attention, with a surge in customer activity showcasing a growing trust in Konga’s platform. By offering unparalleled deals and genuine products, Konga is redefining the shopping experience for Nigerians and empowering them to embrace technology.

One customer, Mr. Adeolu, who recently took advantage of Konga’s Tech Month campaign to purchase the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, said on his blog, “I was honestly surprised by the price of the phone on Konga. I was able to purchase the smartphone at a significant discount of about 16% compared to the price I would have paid in the UK. Plus, I double-checked the serial number with Apple after it was delivered, and everything was legit.

“The Konga call center rep even mentioned a huge increase in customers lately – it seems Nigerians have built trust in Konga for their tech needs and as their preferred e-commerce platform.”

As the Tech Month campaign unfolds, shoppers still have ample opportunities to take advantage of the incredible deals and discounts available on the Konga platform. Whether you’re in the market for the latest gadgets, home appliances, or kitchen essentials, power, Konga has something for everyone.

Take advantage of the chance to grab unbeatable deals and join the thousands of satisfied customers who have already benefited from Konga’s Tech Month campaign.

As the curtains rose on the grand spectacle of the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), TECNO again took centre stage, illuminating the night with a blend of technological innovation and unwavering support for the Nigerian movie industry.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, where superstars dazzled in their finest attire, TECNO’s presence was felt beyond mere aesthetics. Attendees were greeted with a showcase of technological splendour at the TECNO booth, where moments of laughter and camaraderie were immortalized through the lens of innovation.

But TECNO’s commitment goes far beyond mere spectacle. Continuing their impact journey, TECNO proudly returned as the category sponsor of the Best Cinematographer award. This category, known for its keen competition, exemplifies the dedication and artistry that define the Nigerian movie industry.

The nominees for Best Cinematographer represented a spectrum of talent and creativity, each film a testament to the vibrancy of African storytelling: Lílis Soares’ Mami Wata, Gideon Chukwu’s Blood Vessel, Over The Bridge from KC Obiajulu, Breath of Life from Ola Cardoso, Adeoluwa Owu’s Jagun Jagun – The Warrior, Adekunle Nodash Adejuyigbe’s Ijogbon – Chaos, Joachim Philippe’s Omen.

As the anticipation reached its zenith, the moment of truth arrived. Amongst the stellar lineup of nominees, KC Obiajulu’s Over The Bridge emerged victorious, claiming the coveted title of Best Cinematographer.

In TECNO’s words, this is more than just a gesture; it’s a testament to their unwavering support for the entertainment sector and their relentless pursuit of greatness.

As TECNO continues to push boundaries and champion excellence, it remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering African talent and celebrating the magic of storytelling.

The 10th AMVCA was a night to remember, where TECNO’s fusion of technology and creativity illuminated the path toward a brighter future for African cinema. As the curtains close on this unforgettable evening, TECNO reaffirms its pledge to STOP AT NOTHING until greatness is achieved, both on-screen and beyond.