Egypt’s Control Over Global Internet Cables: A National Security Concern for Ethiopia and the Path Forward

In the ever-evolving world of digital geopolitics, internet infrastructure has become a crucial arena for power dynamics between nations. One of the most alarming concerns in this regard is Egypt’s significant control over a large portion of global internet traffic, particularly its influence over internet routes in the Horn of Africa. With approximately 17-30% of global internet traffic passing through Egypt via submarine fiber optic cables, this control poses a severe national security threat to Ethiopia, a country that shares a complex and often tense geopolitical relationship with its northern neighbor.

At the heart of this issue lies Egypt’s monopoly over a network of submarine fiber optic cables, often referred to as the “Digital Suez Canal.” This infrastructure allows Egypt not only to profit financially but also to potentially intercept and monitor internet traffic passing through its territory. Given the longstanding tensions between the two nations—particularly over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—Egypt’s control over these digital arteries presents a grave risk to Ethiopia’s national security.

The Threat: Egypt’s Potential for Digital Espionage

Egypt’s influence over internet traffic is more than just a technical matter. Its intelligence agencies, including the General Intelligence Service (GIS), have been known to leverage this control for intelligence-gathering purposes. By monitoring data flows through its internet infrastructure, Egypt could intercept sensitive communications involving Ethiopia’s military, diplomacy, and economic strategies. This poses a significant risk, particularly in the context of the GERD project, a major source of tension between the two countries.

For Ethiopia, this means that critical national data—military communications, diplomatic discussions, and economic strategies—could be exposed to Egyptian intelligence. Such data breaches could undermine Ethiopia’s bargaining position in negotiations, and, in a worst-case scenario, give Egypt a tactical advantage in the event of heightened conflicts or cyberattacks. The threat is not just theoretical; Egypt’s digital influence in the region is well-documented, making Ethiopia’s vulnerability all the more pressing.

A Path to Security: Diversification and Digital Sovereignty

While this concern is significant, Ethiopia is not without options to mitigate the risks. By taking a multi-faceted approach, Ethiopia can reduce its reliance on Egyptian-controlled digital infrastructure and secure its communications against potential interception.

1. Expanding Ethiopia’s Satellite Program

Ethiopia’s entry into space technology, marked by the launch of its first satellite, ETRSS-1 (Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite-1), is a promising step toward achieving digital independence. However, while ETRSS-1 provides critical data for applications like agriculture and climate monitoring, it is not enough to fully secure Ethiopia’s communication systems.

To strengthen its digital sovereignty, Ethiopia needs to launch additional satellites, particularly communication satellites that can facilitate secure, independent data transmission. These satellites can provide Ethiopia with encrypted communication channels for government and military use, bypassing the need for internet traffic to flow through Egyptian-controlled infrastructure.

Furthermore, the development of a LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite constellation could provide nationwide internet services, reducing Ethiopia’s dependence on undersea fiber optic cables. This would provide secure and reliable internet access across the country, making it much harder for any external power to interfere with or intercept Ethiopian communications.

2. Building Alternative Fiber Optic Routes

Another key step for Ethiopia is to develop alternative terrestrial fiber optic routes that bypass Egypt entirely.

By collaborating with neighboring countries such as Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan, Ethiopia can establish overland internet connections that do not pass through Egypt’s territory. Such diversification of internet routes would make it significantly harder for Egypt to maintain a stranglehold on Ethiopia’s digital communications.

Additionally, Ethiopia should invest in regional data centers to ensure that sensitive information is processed and stored domestically or within the region, rather than relying on international data flows that could be intercepted by foreign powers.

3. Strengthening Cybersecurity

Ethiopia must significantly enhance its cybersecurity capabilities to defend against potential data breaches and cyberattacks. This includes:

• Encrypting all sensitive communications using modern, unbreakable encryption protocols.

• Developing a national cyber defense command to monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats, particularly those emanating from foreign actors.

• Investing in AI-driven cybersecurity systems that can detect suspicious activities or attempted data interceptions in real time.

These measures would ensure that even if communications are intercepted, the data remains indecipherable to foreign intelligence services, including Egypt’s GIS.

4. Leveraging Satellite Internet

Ethiopia could also explore partnerships with global satellite internet providers such as Starlink or OneWeb to provide secure, reliable internet access that bypasses terrestrial routes altogether. Satellite internet services operate independently of the undersea cables controlled by Egypt, offering a crucial alternative for both civilian and government communications.

In the longer term, Ethiopia could develop its own satellite internet constellation, providing secure, high-speed internet across the country. This would not only enhance national security but also improve internet access in rural areas, contributing to economic development.

5. Developing Regional and International Alliances

Ethiopia should also focus on developing strategic alliances with regional and global partners. By working with neighboring countries and organizations like the African Union, Ethiopia can advocate for the creation of a pan-African satellite network or joint digital infrastructure projects that reduce dependence on Egyptian-controlled routes.

At the international level, Ethiopia could deepen its partnerships with countries like China and Russia, which have advanced space programs and are less influenced by Egyptian geopolitical interests. These partnerships could facilitate the transfer of satellite technology and secure communication systems, helping Ethiopia build a more independent digital infrastructure.

Conclusion: Securing Ethiopia’s Digital Future

The threat posed by Egypt’s control over global internet cables is a serious concern for Ethiopia’s national security. However, by investing in satellite technology, diversifying internet routes, enhancing cybersecurity, and building regional alliances, Ethiopia can mitigate these risks and secure its communications against potential foreign interference.

While the road ahead will require significant investment and strategic collaboration, the long-term benefits—both in terms of national security and digital sovereignty—are well worth the effort. Ethiopia’s path to securing its digital future will not be without challenges, but it is both necessary and achievable. The combination of satellite technology, cybersecurity advancements, and alternative communication routes will significantly reduce the risk of foreign interception and ensure that the country is better equipped to protect its national interests. The foundation laid by the ETRSS-1 satellite marks an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of a broader, strategic approach toward achieving true digital sovereignty.

As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia must act decisively to protect its data, communications, and national security from external threats. By expanding its satellite capabilities, building stronger partnerships, and enhancing its domestic technical expertise, Ethiopia can not only mitigate the risks posed by Egypt’s control over global internet cables but also position itself as a leading player in Africa’s digital future. The stakes are high, but with a concerted and well-coordinated effort, Ethiopia can turn these vulnerabilities into opportunities for growth, resilience, and greater autonomy in the digital age.