Africa: Internet service disruptions likely to continue in parts of Africa through late March /update 3

Further internet service disruptions are likely in parts of Africa through late March after undersea cable failures on March 14. The exact cause of the cable failures remains unclear but could be related to seismic activity. Part of Africa's internet traffic has been rerouted onto alternative cables but has not been restored to full capacity.

Affected countries are experiencing varying levels of disruption. Disruptions are most severe in West Africa, but services have largely resumed in some countries. Since the cable failure on March 14, affected countries included Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, and Togo.

While internet services are improving, the resumption of normal services may take several weeks. Further disruptions are likely, ranging from slower network connections to full outages. Disruptions to commercial activities are likely until full services resume, while transport may also be impacted, including airport operations.