On Tuesday, April 29, the Togolese government issued a warning regarding anticipated temporary interruptions to internet access and digital public service platforms. This alert follows a significant power outage in Europe, particularly impacting Portugal and Spain, which has affected numerous data centers and essential infrastructure.
According to the official announcement, the digital services provided by the Togolese government, along with the nation’s overall connectivity, may experience disruptions as a result of this event. Togo, similar to many West African nations, heavily depends on submarine cables such as SAT-3, WACS (West Africa Cable System), and ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) for its internet connectivity. These infrastructures, which link the African continent to Europe, have critical landing points in countries impacted by the power outage, including Lisbon and various cities in Spain.
The temporary shutdown of these hotspots jeopardizes the smooth flow of data transmission, consequently affecting the connected networks in the region. In light of this potential disruption, Togolese authorities have stated that they have mobilized all technical teams to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, the continuity of digital services. This proactive approach has been positively received by several civil society organizations, including Internet Society Togo, which views government communication as a vital component in managing such crises.
The organization asserts that prompt communication fosters a sense of trust among citizens, businesses, and various stakeholders within the national digital ecosystem. Amid this vulnerability, Internet Society Togo advocates for the establishment of structural measures to diversify connection methods. Specifically, it suggests promoting satellite alternatives through more affordable licensing schemes to enhance the country’s resilience against external connectivity disruptions. It is important to note that the European incident has led to considerable disruptions in the affected countries, leaving many residents without electricity and internet access.
