The Africa-1 submarine cable project is poised to be fully operational by 2026, according to a recent announcement from Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

This initiative aims to establish connectivity between the UAE, Europe, and Africa through multiple landing stations, PTCL reported in a stock filing.

In November 2020, the Board of Directors approved an investment of $59.5 million for the Africa-1 submarine cable project. PTCL began investing in the project annually starting in 2021. As of 2025, approximately 75 percent of the total investment has been completed, with full project costs expected to be met within the year.

The project is projected to achieve its Ready for Service (RFS) milestone in the first quarter of 2026. Upon completion, the Africa-1 submarine cable will be fully operational, enabling PTCL to generate revenue from the project and positively impact its top-line growth.

To mark this significant milestone, a groundbreaking celebration for the Africa-1 Submarine Cable is scheduled for February 22, 2025, at the PTCL landing site at Sea View, Karachi. This event marks a transformative step in boosting Pakistan’s digital connectivity, PTCL stated.