GABORONE, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Botswana are poised to leverage on a newly launched low-latency fiber route that runs through Botswana and Namibia to Europe, aiming to bolster the country's digital aspirations.
At the official launch of Kalahari Fiber (BKF), an 840-kilometer fiber route from Botswana's capital Gaborone to the Namibian border, Cecil Masiga, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, said the route is important for developing Botswana's economy and achieving national digital goals.
"In today's fast-paced world, reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is not a luxury but a necessity. It is the backbone of modern economies, a vital tool for businesses, and an essential service for our communities," Masiga said.
He hailed the new fiber route as a groundbreaking project that promises to revolutionize Botswana's digital landscape, noting that the investment of Paratus Group, an Africa-based network provider, lays a foundation for Botswana's digital future.
"By ensuring that businesses and communities have access to reliable internet services, they empower Botswana to engage in the global digital economy, access educational resources, and improve their quality of life," Masiga added.
The BKF marks the final segment of the Trans Kalahari Fiber (TKF) route built by Paratus, running from Johannesburg to Swakopmund in Namibia.
"The new route creates the lowest latency primary transit path through Botswana and Namibia to Europe. It will connect Botswana and neighboring countries to various international subsea cables, and to the rest of the world," said Shawn Bruwer, managing director of Paratus Botswana. ■
