Djoliba is the first unified superfast broadband network that provides seamless connectivity, with better availability
“Djolib:, the first pan-West African fiber optic network – click to enlarge”
Orange and its subsidiaries have announced the commissioning and commercial launch of Djoliba, the first pan-African backbone. This new backbone covers 8 countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal. Natively interconnected with the domestic networks within the countries, this broad coverage will generalise access to connectivity for operators and companies.
This infrastructure is based on a terrestrial fibre optic network, coupled with undersea cables, offering secure connectivity abroad from West Africa. This investment aims to support the digital ecosystem and meets the growing needs for connectivity in the region.
Djoliba is the first unified superfast broadband network that provides seamless connectivity, with better availability thanks to network redundancy and security, and excellent quality of service. Operated and maintained from Dakar for greater efficiency, responsiveness and proximity, it has a dedicated supervision centre.
Until now, telecommunications networks in West Africa were built inside each country, up to its borders: there was no cross-border network. To provide a service between two capitals, operators had to integrate the offers of several providers and join several different networks which were interconnected at the borders. This new network is a true innovation that simplifies the interconnection processes between countries.
Djoliba is the first network that offers complete security in West Africa with more than 10,000 km of terrestrial fibre optic network, coupled with 10,000 km of undersea cables, superfast broadband provision (up to 100 Gbit/s) and a 99.99% availability rate. This network covers 16 points of presence with a grid of nearly 155 technical sites, and connects 300 points of presence in Europe, America and Asia.
It is based on Orange’s Tier 1 network and therefore provides a seamless connection to the Group’s international networks.
By using the Djoliba network’s superfast broadband transmission, the network’s new customers will be able to access the Group’s platforms and benefit from the whole range of offers marketed by Orange in Africa: IP transit, mobile service platforms, hosting in Orange datacentres in Africa, VPN, etc.
Thanks to Djoliba, Orange meets the needs of companies and telecoms players in West Africa, to serve a potential 330 million inhabitants. This network is a key factor of future internet growth in West Africa, because it will promote fair access to digital technology between West African countries and help stimulate the countries’ digital economy.
Orange is currently present in 18 African countries, and has more than 120 million customers. The Group is continuing its investment on the continent to offer reliable, secure and high-quality connectivity, and contribute to the populations’ digital inclusion.
