The European Union is increasing its efforts to enhance secure digital connectivity in Africa and the Indo-Pacific by making significant inv...
The European Union is increasing its efforts to enhance secure digital connectivity in Africa and the Indo-Pacific by making significant investments in submarine cable infrastructure—an initiative that officials claim is essential for economic development, maritime safety, and worldwide stability.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi via video call from Brussels, EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific MarÃa Castillo Fernández stated that secure and robust undersea networks have grown increasingly vital as global reliance on digital infrastructure expands.
"Digital connectivity has emerged as a crucial factor for development and economic progress," she stated.
We must also pay attention to what our partners express, as for certain Indo-Pacific partners, this digital connectivity involves laying cables to develop areas, boost the economy, and foster growth.
Castillo was informing reporters before the 4th EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, scheduled for November 20-21 in Brussels, which will gather approximately 70 delegations from both areas.
She mentioned that maritime and digital infrastructure will play a significant role, along with talks about security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.
This crucial maritime infrastructure will receive specific attention in the forum," she mentioned, noting that the meeting will be followed by a high-level event focused on safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure—whose significance she highlighted as "essential for all of us and our partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Castillo highlighted the EU's dedication to enhancing political interaction, noting that the forum offers "an excellent opportunity at a high level for both bilateral and multilateral conversations."
Research and innovation
The representative emphasized that research and innovation are key to the EU's growing collaboration with nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
"We have established accords for nations to link up with Europe's major research and innovation initiative," she stated.
Research and development play a crucial role in the shift towards digital economies and more environmentally friendly economic systems. It is essential to strengthen collaboration further.
She mentioned the EU-Africa-India digital corridor, an 11,700 km undersea cable, as a key example.
The system will link Europe with India through the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Eastern Africa—connecting over 10,000 European research institutions with more than 3,700 in India and Southeast Africa.
"It connects us via underwater digital cables. Extremely significant," she stated, noting that the corridor is already enabling fresh cross-regional partnerships.
Although undersea cables transmit more than 95 percent of worldwide international data, Castillo cautioned that growing infrastructure without sufficient safeguards could be dangerous.
"We desire to install additional cables without considering protection, which is equally significant," she stated.
If we fail to safeguard these cables, they could become tools for sabotage or danger, and the consequences would be significant.
Unsecured subsea networks
She mentioned that Europe has already faced the repercussions of insecure underwater networks and is currently striving to enhance international regulations within the maritime law system.
The EU's Global Gateway connectivity initiative offers substantial benefits for Kenya, according to Henriette Geiger, the EU Ambassador in Kenya.
The proposed cable path will stretch from Italy via Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania, serving as a component of an extensive Indo-Pacific and East African digital development.
"This highlights the EU's dedication to providing sustainable, top-notch digital infrastructure," Geiger stated, emphasizing the collaboration between governments and private sector partners.
The Ministerial Forum, co-chaired by European Commission Executive Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, will address three key areas: Security and Defence, Shared Prosperity, Economic Security and Productivity, and Sustainable Future and Green Agenda.
EU representatives mention that conversations will continue to develop the advancements achieved since the union introduced its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021.
In Nairobi, Geiger mentioned that the conference takes place during a period of worldwide instability.
"The present world situation, characterized by changes in global politics, financial instability, and increasing environmental issues, demands joint efforts," she stated.
Castillo shared the same view, describing it as "a highly unique geopolitical situation marked by significant complexity and uncertainty."
"The security and economies of our nations are more interconnected. Any disturbance on either side will impact all of us," she stated.
She emphasized the EU's dedication to enhanced cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific, referring to Europe as "a dependable and respected ally grounded in common values and a rules-driven global system."
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