South Africa Builds New National High-Speed Internet Highway in Partnership with Huawei

Broadband Infraco (BBI), South Africa’s state-owned national broadband infrastructure provider, has selected Huawei as its technology partner to deploy a new intelligent all-optical backbone network across the country. 

The upgraded national backbone will function as the primary high-capacity internet highway, delivering faster, more reliable and lower-cost broadband services to urban and rural communities alike. The project forms a critical part of SA Connect, the government’s flagship initiative to achieve universal broadband access by 2030.

Using advanced fibre-optic systems capable of 800G per wavelength, the network enables rapid transmission of large volumes of data between cities, data centres and access networks. This foundation will support expanded services in education, healthcare, e-government and digital commerce nationwide.

Through the ongoing rollout, more than two million households in previously underserved areas have already gained access to broadband, while over 13,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots are now operational. Once complete, the backbone will span all nine provinces and reach international borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, enhancing regional connectivity.

Gift Zowa, Chief Executive Officer of Broadband Infraco, said, “This strategic collaboration allows us to accelerate the delivery of inclusive, high-quality broadband to every South African community and government institution, while strengthening our country’s position in the regional and global digital economy.”