A decade in the making, the ambitious SAEx East Subsea Fibre-Optic Cable Project, designed to establish a direct, high-capacity internet link between South Africa and Singapore, is rapidly progressing with renewed financial backing. South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has committed crucial project development capital, signaling a significant step toward bolstering digital connectivity between Africa and Asia.

The SAEx East cable, an integral component of the broader SAEx Southern Oceans Network (SAEx SON), will span approximately 11,750 kilometers. It will extend from Cape Town with additional landing points at East London and Amanzimtoti along South Africa’s coast, crossing the Indian Ocean via Réunion and Mauritius before continuing through Malaysia and terminating in Singapore. The design includes branching units to support future links to India and Thailand, allowing broader regional integration.

To ensure long-term performance and signal integrity across vast oceanic distances, the project integrates advanced subsea fiber-optic cable systems engineered for high-capacity, low-latency transmission. These systems incorporate reinforced cable structures with armored sheathing and specialized water-blocking technologies, built to withstand deep-sea pressure and seismic activity. The infrastructure also includes power conductors and repeater systems at optimal intervals, guaranteeing efficient amplification and system reliability throughout the transcontinental route.

This undersea infrastructure is poised to deliver a more direct, secure, and resilient pathway for high-volume data traffic, reducing dependence on politically sensitive routes. By improving latency and fortifying cybersecurity protocols, the project is expected to reshape international communication networks, stimulate economic development, and drive digital transformation across Africa and Asia.

The IDC, a government-owned financial institution, has not only approved initial project development capital for the definitive feasibility study but also plans to acquire a 25% equity stake in the project at financial close. Additional debt financing is also under consideration. This strategic investment highlights the importance of robust digital infrastructure in elevating South Africa’s international connectivity status.

SAEx International Management Limited (SIML), a Mauritius-based entity, will co-sponsor the project alongside IDC. Financial close is anticipated in the second half of 2025, with submarine surveys for the South Africa–Singapore corridor scheduled to begin under a turnkey contract soon after. The South African landing points will enable vital interconnections with established systems such as Equiano and 2Africa, enhancing system redundancy and creating a highly interconnected regional digital hub.

As a key infrastructure enabler, high-quality submarine and port-adapted cables will be essential to ensure seamless landing operations and future-proof capacity. Port Crane Cable and other shore-end solutions will facilitate reliable cable handling and installation at coastal stations, ensuring uninterrupted transitions from terrestrial to marine networks.

The renewed momentum behind SAEx East marks a pivotal advancement for global connectivity, promising faster internet speeds, greater stability, and a significant leap forward in Africa’s digital capacity.

About Feichun Cable
Feichun Cable is a trusted global provider of high-performance cable solutions tailored for demanding applications in telecommunications, marine engineering, energy, and port logistics. With a commitment to innovation, Feichun offers a comprehensive range of fiber-optic, subsea, and Port Crane Cables designed to meet international standards and withstand the harshest environments. As global data infrastructure expands, Feichun continues to deliver the connectivity solutions that power the world’s most ambitious digital projects.

South Africa–Singapore Undersea Cable Project Accelerates with Major Investment and Infrastructure Boost