Nigeria is seeking to reduce its exposure to potential internet outages by negotiating a new undersea cable project with Google, Bloomberg reported. Current international connections predominantly follow identical routes to Europe, leaving the country vulnerable to disruptions.

The proposed cable forms part of Google’s wider African infrastructure expansion. The company announced plans this year to establish four subsea connectivity hubs across the continent, aiming to increase network resilience and capacity in strategic regions.

Alongside infrastructure investment, Google has committed 2.1 million US dollars to support Nigeria’s artificial intelligence sector. The funds will facilitate digital skills development, strengthen cyber security, and foster partnerships with local organisations, with the goal of creating jobs and enhancing the technology ecosystem.

Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy underpins the initiative, projecting that AI could contribute up to 15 billion US dollars to the economy by 2030. Officials described the combined investment in connectivity and AI as a step toward sustainable digital growth, positioning Nigeria as a central hub for technology and innovation in Africa.