Google to launch subsea cable in Nigeria, to increase internet speed and create 1.6million jobs

The Director of Google West Africa, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, has disclosed that Google plans to fund the Equiano subsea cable to boost internet speeds and create 1.6million jobs in Nigeria.She said this during a visit with a team from Google West Africa to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, yesterday.

According to her, Equiano, whose name was inspired by a Nigerian, is being launched as it lands at different points on the continent, much like a road construction that is launched as construction progresses.

She further disclosed that Nigeria is a major landing point for the cable and the launch of this major milestone is expected to take place in April 2022.

The Country Director of Google West Africa, Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor who made pledge during a visit to, also commended the Minister for his efforts that have promoted Nigeria’s Digital Economy and increased its impact on all sectors of the economy.

While pledging commitment to the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, she noted Google’s commitment towards investing $1billion in Africa over the next 5 years, from October 2021.

Ehimuan-Chiazor revealed Google’s support for the tech ecosystem in Nigeria through skills development programs and grants adding that the Google Startup Accelerator program has benefited 82 startups, including some of the startups that are now the leading unicorns in Africa. About 6 million Nigerians have also benefited from other digital skills initiatives and the target is to reach 10 million Nigerians.

About 30,000 citizens have participated in the Africa Developer Program and provision has been made for cash and non-cash grants of over $100 million.

“According to the director, Nigeria is a major landing point for the cable and the launch of this major milestone is expected to take place in April, 2022.”The director further informed the minister of Google’s support for the tech ecosystem in Nigeria through skills development programs and grants, adding that about six million Nigerians have benefited from other digital skills initiatives, and the target is to reach 10million Nigerians.Pantami assured Google that the Federal Government would continue to promote regulations supporting development and innovation.