The South African Government has welcomed a major investment in the country’s digital infrastructure, with the announcement of a R160 million expansion of the Yangtze Optics Africa Cable optical fibre manufacturing facility at Dube Trade Port, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
This expansion marks a pivotal moment in the country’s push towards achieving digital inclusivity and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.
The new 14,000 sqm facility, Africa’s largest optical fibre cable manufacturing plant, will allow for a significant increase in production capacity and scalability of high-quality optical fibre cables, a critical component in supporting South Africa’s growing digital economy. The facility’s expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for high-speed connectivity, fuelled by the rapid digital transformation across industries, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and government services.
According to the Head of Invest SA at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic), Mr Yunus Hoosen, the significant investment comes as part of South Africa’s broader efforts to boost the digital economy and enhance the country’s position as a regional leader in technology.
“The South African government has made substantial strides in creating an enabling environment for digital infrastructure through policy reforms, including the National Integrated Information and Communication Technology Policy, spectrum auctions, and the reduction of data costs. This initiative aligns with these efforts and positions South Africa as a competitive player in the global optical fibre manufacturing market,” said Hoosen.
The new purpose-built facility will become a leading innovation hub for optical fibre cable products, helping to address South Africa’s unique environmental and broadband needs. With a specific focus on supporting the rollout of optical fibre networks in informal settlements, YOA Cable, through its product innovations, will ensure that underserved communities across the country can access reliable, high-speed internet, contributing to the government’s goal of achieving universal connectivity.
Hoosen expressed the government’s strong support for the expansion, noting the alignment with South Africa’s industrialisation agenda.
“This expansion at Dube Trade Port is a vital step in achieving our goals for economic growth and development. By investing in local manufacturing capacity, we are not only meeting the demands of a growing digital economy but also fostering a more resilient economy that is less reliant on imports. Government remains committed to supporting initiatives like this that create jobs and drive the country’s digital transformation,” noted Hoosen.
He added that the facility’s expansion would also position South Africa as a key supplier of optical fibre cable in Africa, boosting the country’s export potential and strengthening its role as a leader in the digital economy on the continent.
“The South African government views this investment as an integral part of the country’s broader digital transformation strategy. The ongoing collaboration between the private sector and government, through initiatives like this, is helping to create a more connected, inclusive, and innovative economy for all South Africans,” stated Hoosen.
He added that another key highlight of this expansion was the skills-investment in locally sourced natural polyethylene production, a critical component of optical fibre cable manufacturing. Making this the first localisation of natural polyethylene production suitable for optical fibre cable manufacturing, since the early 2000s.
“The expansion also highlights South Africa’s ongoing efforts to increase local content in the manufacturing sector. With a focus on reducing imports and supporting the country’s Designation Policy, the expansion will boost the local economy by generating new jobs, improving technical skills, and creating opportunities within the local supply chain,” emphasised Hoosen.
The Chief Executive Officer of YOA Cable, Mr Pieter Viljoen, highlighted the importance of this expansion for local optical fibre network operators, their customers, and the broader South African consumer.
“This expansion is a significant milestone in our commitment to providing high-quality, locally produced optical fibre cables that meet the growing demands of our country’s digital infrastructure. We are proud to play a key role in transforming South Africa’s digital landscape, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to reliable, high-speed connectivity. We are particularly proud of the innovations we have introduced to date, with more exciting innovations planned, which we believe will help bridge South Africa’s digital divide,” said Viljoen.
As the world moves towards greater digital integration, the demand for high-quality optical fibre cables is set to continue rising. This R160 million investment is a step forward in ensuring that South Africa is equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support future technological advancements, including 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart cities.
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