African internet disruption sparks concerns for SMEs and digital agencies

In recent weeks, a significant internet disruption rippled across several countries in Africa, stemming from damage to a major undersea cable. This unforeseen incident sent shockwaves through the digital landscape, disrupting services and highlighting vulnerabilities in the continent’s connectivity infrastructure. To shed light on the implications of this outage, Mr. Hilary Utuke, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant at Korlod Works, a leading Digital Technology and New Media agency in Lagos. Mr. Utuke, who also serves as the Chairman of the Webmaster Committee of The Nigerian Internet Group, offered insights into the impact of the outage on SMEs and digital agencies, as well as strategies to mitigate such occurrences in the future.

Delving into the repercussions of the internet disruption, Mr. Utuke underscored the profound implications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and digital agencies reliant on uninterrupted connectivity. “The outage disrupted critical services and workflows, causing significant productivity losses for businesses across various sectors,” he remarked. Citing data from a recent survey conducted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which estimates that SMEs account for over 90% of all businesses worldwide, Mr. Utuke highlighted the outsized impact of internet disruptions on this vital segment of the economy.

“For SMEs and digital agencies, the internet is not just a tool—it’s a lifeline,” Mr. Utuke explained. “From communication and collaboration to marketing and customer service, virtually every aspect of business operations relies on a stable and reliable internet connection.”

Indeed, the outage exposed the fragility of Africa’s digital infrastructure and underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to enhance resilience and mitigate future disruptions. Mr. Utuke outlined several strategies to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

“One key approach is diversifying connectivity routes and leveraging alternative technologies to reduce dependence on vulnerable undersea cables,” Mr. Utuke suggested. “By investing in terrestrial fiber-optic networks, satellite communication systems, and mobile broadband infrastructure, we can create redundancy and enhance the resilience of Africa’s internet backbone.”

Moreover, Mr. Utuke emphasized the need for robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans to minimize the impact of disruptions on SMEs and digital agencies. “Businesses must proactively assess their vulnerabilities and implement measures to mitigate risks,” he advised. “This includes establishing backup systems, data replication mechanisms, and contingency protocols to ensure continuity of operations in the event of an outage.”

Additionally, Mr. Utuke called for greater investment in cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential threats and vulnerabilities. “As reliance on digital technologies grows, so too does the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches,” he warned. “Businesses must prioritize cybersecurity hygiene practices, such as regular software updates, encryption protocols, and employee training, to mitigate risks and protect sensitive information.”

In light of the recent internet disruption, Mr. Utuke also stressed the importance of advocating for policy reforms and regulatory frameworks that promote investment in resilient infrastructure and foster competition in the telecommunications sector. “Governments must prioritize the development of robust regulatory regimes that incentivize investment and innovation in digital infrastructure,” he asserted. “This includes streamlining permit processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering a conducive business environment for telecom operators and infrastructure providers.”

As Africa grapples with the aftermath of the internet disruption, the insights shared by Mr. Hilary Utuke underscore the imperative of proactive measures to enhance resilience and ensure continuity in an increasingly interconnected world. By prioritizing investments in diverse connectivity solutions, robust disaster recovery mechanisms, and cybersecurity measures, Africa can mitigate the impact of future disruptions and unlock the full potential of its digital economy. Only through collective action and strategic foresight can Africa build a resilient and inclusive digital future for all.