The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and the ITU have called for a united response to submarine cable disruptions, which threaten the global digital economy. Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the crucial role of these cables, while Prof. Sandra Maximiano noted the economic impact of recent disruptions. Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to improving its digital infrastructure to foster growth and cooperation.
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, alongside the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), has urged for joint efforts to tackle the global disruptions of submarine cables. This call to action was made during the inaugural ITU International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit held in Abuja. The organizations highlighted that such disruptions hinder the advancement of the global digital economy.
The ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the need for global focus on safeguarding the rapid growth of the digital economy. She noted that submarine cable connectivity is crucial, accounting for 95 percent of the digital economy’s infrastructure. Bogdan-Martin revealed that the digital economy currently contributes significantly to the world’s GDP and is projected to reach $16.5 trillion by 2028.
She pointed out that while the last two decades have seen substantial digital transformation bringing socio-economic opportunities, they have also introduced challenges. With internet users increasing from one billion in 2005 to 5.5 billion at present, it is clear that the global digital economy is outpacing GDP growth.
Despite the inherent resilience of submarine cables, approximately 200 disruptions occur each year. The challenges of repairing these cables across regions create significant delays, impacting the global economy. Bogdan-Martin stressed the necessity of a collaborative approach involving technology, business, and policy to effectively address these issues.
Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair of the ITU Advisory Board, reiterated the significance of submarine cables for regional economies, noting a notable incident last March when several cable cuts affected multiple West African nations. This event underscored the importance of submarine cable systems, which serve over 70 million customers in Nigeria alone.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, identified submarine cable disruptions as a pressing global concern, affecting various sectors including finance, education, and governance. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is dedicated to enhancing its digital infrastructure to foster connectivity and economic growth.
The minister asserted that the outcomes of the summit would shape future policies and investment decisions, fostering global cooperation and lasting resilience. Attending the summit are over 300 delegates from all ITU member countries, including top officials from various Nigerian communication agencies, which underscores the event’s significance.
The ITU International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit convened leaders and stakeholders to address the critical issue of submarine cable disruptions that threaten global digital economic growth. Notable voices, including Dr. Bosun Tijani and Doreen Bogdan-Martin, highlighted the urgent need for collective action to ensure robust digital infrastructure. The summit serves as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation to tackle these challenges and enhance global connectivity.
Original Source: nannews.ng
