Botswana and Lithuania lay fiber optic cable

Botswana has recently completed the Botswana Kalahari Fiber (BKF) route, connecting the country to the 144-terabit Equiano subsea cable, but there is no confirmed information about a fiber optic project involving Lithuania.Botswana Kalahari Fiber (BKF) ProjectBotswana's telecommunications provider, Paratus Botswana, completed an 840-kilometer fiber optic route from Gaborone to the Namibian border, passing through key towns such as Molepolole, Letlhakeng, Kang, and Charles Hill . This route, known as the Botswana Kalahari Fiber (BKF), was activated at the end of March 2024 and represents a major investment in the country's digital infrastructure .The BKF connects Botswana to the Equiano subsea cable, which spans from southern Africa to Europe, landing in Swakopmund, Namibia, and Melkbosstrand, South Africa . This connection provides low-latency, high-capacity international connectivity, supporting wavelengths of up to 800 gigabytes and a latency of 123 milliseconds . The project was built entirely by local contractors, involved over 15,000 gum poles, 10,368 splices, and 216 termination joints, and indirectly created around 100 jobs .Strategic and Economic ImportanceThe BKF route enhances Botswana's role as a regional digital hub, providing faster, more reliable internet connections and diversifying routes without third-party involvement . It also facilitates connectivity to neighboring countries and international markets, particularly Europe, through the Equiano cable . The project supports sectors such as financial services, education, and e-commerce, enabling Botswana to participate more fully in the global digital economy .Market OutlookThe Botswana fiber optic market is projected to grow at a high rate, with an estimated 12.85% growth in 2026, reflecting the country's increasing focus on advanced digital technologies and regional interconnectivity . This growth is part of a broader trend in Southern Africa, where countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are also expanding fiber infrastructure to meet rising demand.Lithuania ConnectionBased on the available information, there is no evidence of a direct fiber optic project linking Botswana and Lithuania. Current projects focus on connecting Botswana to regional and international subsea cables, particularly the Equiano cable to Europe, but Lithuania is not mentioned as a partner or landing point in these initiatives .In summary, Botswana has made significant strides in fiber optic infrastructure with the BKF route, enhancing regional and international connectivity, but any collaboration with Lithuania on fiber optic cables has not been reported.