JOHANNESBURG, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Fiber cable manufacturer Yangtze Optics Africa (YOA) Cable has invested an additional 160 million South African rands (about 8.7 million U.S. dollars) to expand its optical fiber manufacturing facility in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Spanning 14,000 square meters, the new plant in the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone, north of Durban, is now the largest optical fiber cable manufacturing plant in Africa.
Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday, YOA Cable Chief Executive Officer Pieter Viljoen said the expansion will enhance the company's operations, boost local optical fiber cable production, and unlock new growth opportunities across Southern Africa.
The facility's expansion is a direct response to South Africa's growing demand for high-speed connectivity, fueled by the rapid digital transformation across industries, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and government services.
"This is a game changer for driving manufacturing localization in the country. Local optical fiber cable manufacturing and expertise will enable direct collaboration with telecom operators and fiber network owners to develop fit-for-purpose products supplied cost-effectively," Viljoen said. "This is important in expanding broadband access, bridging the connectivity gaps, and providing connectivity in remote and rural areas to enable great economic participation."
The South African government welcomed the investment, recognizing its role in strengthening the country's digital infrastructure.
"The expansion marks a pivotal moment in the country's push towards achieving digital inclusivity and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities," said Yunus Hoosen, head of Invest South Africa under the country's Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition.
Hoosen highlighted that public-private collaboration, through initiatives like this, is driving a more connected, inclusive, and innovative economy for all South Africans.
Established in 2016, YOA Cable is a joint venture of the Chinese-owned Yangtze Optical Fiber and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company and Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed Mustek. Currently employing 155 people, the company is expected to generate more job opportunities following the expansion.
