The ITU has urged global collaboration to tackle submarine cable disruptions, warning that such issues threaten the rapid growth of the digital economy, projected to reach $16.5 trillion by 2028.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has called for urgent global action to address the rising challenges of submarine cable disruptions, warning that such incidents could slow down the rapid expansion of the digital economy.
Speaking at the ITU International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the critical role of submarine cables in supporting global digital infrastructure. She noted that submarine cables account for 95% of global internet traffic, making them essential to economic growth and development.
Bogdan-Martin highlighted that the digital economy is growing faster than the global GDP and is expected to reach $16.5 trillion by 2028. She urged policymakers, businesses, and technology experts to collaborate on measures that would ensure the resilience and security of submarine cable systems.
“The past two decades have seen a vast digital shift, with new socio-economic opportunities as well as challenges. Since the 2005 World Summit, global internet users have surged from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.5 billion at the end of last year,” she stated. She stressed that over the next decade, more than two-thirds of new value creation could come from digitally enabled companies, reinforcing the need for reliable infrastructure.
The summit, held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, marked the first time Nigeria is hosting the ITU International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit. The event attracted over 300 delegates from 194 ITU member countries, including top government officials, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies.
Notable figures in attendance included Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Wada Maida; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Engr. Faruk Yabo; the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa; the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji; and the Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen.
Bogdan-Martin revealed that despite advancements in undersea cable technology, about 200 disruptions occur annually, causing major setbacks in connectivity and economic activities. “As economies and digital innovations grow, and as we seek to bring meaningful connectivity to all, our reliance on digital infrastructure like submarine cables also increases,” she said. She stressed that cable disruptions impact financial markets, trade, education, health systems, and even governance, requiring a holistic approach to solutions.
Calling for greater collaboration among governments, private sector stakeholders, and academia, Bogdan-Martin urged a collective approach to finding long-term solutions to the challenges of submarine cable cuts and disruptions. Similarly, Professor Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair of the ITU Advisory Board, pointed out that West Africa has been severely affected by submarine cable disruptions, citing major cable cuts in March 2024 that disrupted internet access for over 70 million users across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
“It is no coincidence that we are meeting here in Abuja today, given the critical role of submarine cables in this region. While Nigeria benefits from multiple cable systems, some West African countries rely on just one submarine cable,” she said.
In his remarks, Minister of Communications Dr. Bosun Tijani reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening digital infrastructure and enhancing broadband penetration. “Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is committed to protecting critical digital infrastructure and fostering policies that promote innovation and economic growth,” Tijani said. He further emphasized that the government is recognizing and safeguarding submarine cables as critical national infrastructure, investing in digital property infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and collaborating with international stakeholders to ensure long-term digital resilience.
The ITU International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit aims to establish global strategies for safeguarding undersea cable networks. The discussions and resolutions from the summit are expected to shape future policies, investment strategies, and global cooperation efforts. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on digital connectivity, the resilience of submarine cables remains a top priority for ensuring uninterrupted economic and technological growth.
The ITU’s call for global action underscores the urgency of addressing submarine cable disruptions to protect the digital economy and global connectivity. With Nigeria leading this critical conversation, the world is now focusing on collaborative solutions to ensure the security and reliability of undersea cable infrastructure.
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