Work Halted on 2Africa Pearls Submarine Cable Amid Rising Gulf Tensions
Construction on a key segment of the 2Africa submarine cable project, known as 2Africa Pearls, connecting the Gulf region to South Asia, has been suspended due to escalating regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran, rendering the work environment unsafe for continued installation.
The Pearls branch is a strategic extension of the global 2Africa network, which spans approximately 45,000 kilometers, and was scheduled to begin operations later this year. The project is managed by a consortium led by Meta Platforms, with partners including Center3, a subsidiary of Saudi Telecom Company (STC).
This maritime route was designed to connect multiple countries via major landing points in Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Pakistan, India, and Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader plan to enhance digital connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
According to project sources, Alcatel Submarine Networks, the French state-owned company responsible for cable installation, declared force majeure and halted operations in the Gulf due to regional security concerns. Reports indicate that the installation vessel Ile De Batz stopped near Dammam, Saudi Arabia, after laying a substantial portion of the underwater infrastructure, while several onshore landing stations remain unconnected due to the work stoppage.
Industry analysts note that the suspension highlights the vulnerability of submarine cable infrastructure to geopolitical instability, which could impact regional internet connectivity, service quality, and economic activity. The 2Africa consortium is expected to focus on monitoring security developments and evaluating options to resume work once conditions allow.
Despite these challenges, the 2Africa project, the world’s longest planned submarine cable system, remains central to strategic efforts to enhance digital connectivity and reduce the digital divide across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.