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DURBAN, South Africa, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (Pty) Ltd (YOA Cable) solidified its position as the largest optical fibre manufacturer in Africa following a significant expansion investment of optical fibre manufacturing facility, located at the Dube Trade Port in KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal South African province, marking a significant milestone in local optical fibre manufacturing and innovation.
The expansion will also generate additional job opportunities, with about 25% of these positions focused on leadership roles and internships through YOA Cable's Learnership and Internship Programme. This initiative aligns directly with the Youth Employment Programme, underscoring our commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals and contributing to the local economy.
Working with other strategic partners, YOA Cable is now able to localise the supply of natural polyethylene supply. This is the first locally produced polyethylene product used in the manufacturing of optical fibre cable in South Africa, in more than 20 years. This is a first-hand example of the positive impact that localisation of the optical fibre supply chain can have.
The facility's expansion directly responds to the growing demand for high-speed connectivity, fuelled by the rapid digital transformation across industries, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and government services. It will be crucial in supporting South Africa's growing digital economy.
With the rapid expansion of 5G and AI-driven technologies, the demand for high-speed connectivity has never been greater. With this increased scale, YOA Cable will now be at the forefront of this digital transformation in South Africa. This development will not only enhance scalability but also strengthen its competitive edge in an increasingly evolving market. The growth initiative will enable YOA Cable to tap into new opportunities beyond South Africa, including neighbouring countries where it has previously seen success, and further enhance efforts to contribute towards the country's skills development efforts in this highly specialized sector.
The Government of South Africa has welcomed YOA Cable's investment in the country's digital infrastructure. According to Yunus Hoosen, Head of Invest SA within the DTIC, "this expansion marks a pivotal moment in the country's push towards achieving digital inclusivity and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities."
Hoosen noted that 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.