The Société du patrimoine des infrastructures numériques (SPIN) in Gabon aims to expand and secure the country's national fiber optic network through a public-private partnership (PPP). According to SPIN's Director General, Bertrand Mahoukou Bitchinda, the partnership will enable the company to mobilize funds from international lenders and donors to construct an additional 2,000 km of fiber optic cables. This will help extend the network to underserved areas and enhance its resilience.
Currently, Gabon's fiber optic network spans approximately 2,000 km, but two of the country's nine provinces remain unconnected. The network also requires additional infrastructure to strengthen its resilience and ensure continuity of service. In the event of a disruption to a strategic section of the network, several provinces downstream may become isolated. To address this challenge, SPIN plans to establish backup loops to guarantee service continuity.
The development of Gabon's fiber optic network is crucial to meeting the growing demand for transmission capacity. The country's major accounts and wholesale operators require efficient transportation of large volumes of data, which traditional radiofrequency systems often cannot provide. The expansion of the fiber optic network will also contribute to Gabon's digital sovereignty, as internet has become an essential service.
To implement this ambitious plan, SPIN has established a new company, Gabon Fiber, in partnership with private investors. The state holds a minority stake in Gabon Fiber, estimated to be between 10% and 20%. This structure will enable SPIN to leverage funding from international lenders and donors to construct new sections of fiber optic cable.
The planned extensions to the network include the Lambaréné-Mouila-Tchibanga-Iboundji, Lastourville-Moanda-Bakoumba-Konda-Makokou, Okondja-Ovan, and Rabi-Port-Gentil routes. SPIN has signed a 15-year concession agreement with Gabon Fiber for the operation of the existing network and its future extensions. This partnership is expected to boost the development of Gabon's digital infrastructure.
In addition to expanding the national network, SPIN is exploring opportunities for infrastructure sharing with neighboring countries through a Groupement d'intérêt économique (GIE). This economic grouping aims to bring together structures and operators that own backbone fiber optic networks in neighboring countries to facilitate cross-border data exchange.
The GIE model is designed to pool resources, define a revenue-sharing mechanism, and create a more favorable economic environment for the development of new transmission capacities. By working together, member operators can generate additional revenue, which can be reinvested in the financing, maintenance, and development of their national infrastructures.
Key points
- SPIN plans to expand Gabon's fiber optic network through a public-private partnership.
- The expansion will help extend the network to underserved areas and enhance its resilience.
- The project aims to boost Gabon's digital infrastructure and promote regional data exchange.
