Yangtze Optics opens Africa’s largest fibre plant

Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (YOA Cable) has officially opened a R160 million optical fibre manufacturing facility at the Dube TradePort special economic zone north of Durban, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s digital infrastructure.

The 14,000m² factory—billed as the largest optical fibre cable manufacturing plant on the continent—replaces the company’s smaller rented facility where it has operated since 2016. YOA Cable is a joint venture between China’s Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) and JSE-listed Mustek Limited.

At the launch event, YOA Cable CEO Pieter Viljoen highlighted the R150 million the company initially invested to establish a local presence and emphasized the transformative impact of the new facility.

“This latest strategic move is set to transform our operations, significantly increase production capacity of locally manufactured optical fibre cable, and explore new opportunities for growth across the Southern African region,” Viljoen said.

Boosting Production and Employment
With a production capacity exceeding three million fibre kilometres annually, the facility is expected to meet growing regional demand for high-speed internet connectivity. YOA Cable currently employs 155 people, with plans to increase staff to 210 this year. Notably, 25% of these new positions will be filled through learnerships and internships, contributing to skills development in the specialized sector.

Viljoen attributed the expansion to increasing demand for digital connectivity across industries such as education, healthcare, e-commerce, and government services. He also underscored the company’s collaboration with local partners to source natural polyethylene, a key material for cable production—a first for South Africa in over 20 years.

“Local optical fibre cable manufacturing and expertise will enable direct collaboration with telecom operators and fibre network owners to develop fit-for-purpose products supplied cost-effectively,” he explained.

“This will be critical in expanding broadband access, bridging connectivity gaps, and providing services in remote and rural areas to drive greater economic participation.”

Strengthening South Africa’s Digital Economy
YOFC senior vice-president Jan Bongaerts emphasized the vital role of optical fibre in enabling the modern digital economy.

“By establishing this plant, we’re not only strengthening South Africa’s position in the global telecom industry but also ensuring that millions have access to reliable, high-speed internet,” Bongaerts said.

“Producing high-quality optical fibre cables locally reduces reliance on imports and provides South Africa and the broader African region with world-class infrastructure to drive progress and digital inclusivity.”

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Driving Investment and Innovation
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs MEC Musa Zondi praised YOA Cable’s contribution to the local economy, revealing that the company generated R66 million in exports over the past three years, with 80% of its maintenance budget supporting local businesses.

Yunus Hoosen, acting deputy director-general at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition’s InvestSA, described the expansion as a pivotal moment for advancing digital inclusivity.

“There are several key drivers behind this investment and the continued growth of the fibre optic sector, including the rapid growth in digital demand,” Hoosen said.

He pointed to the surging demand for high-speed internet, driven by the increasing reliance on digital platforms for work, education, entertainment, and the expansion of e-commerce and cloud-based services.

“Fibre optic cables are the backbone of modern telecommunications as the world moves towards 5G networks, smart infrastructure, and the Internet of Things. South Africa must position itself as a key player in the digital economy,” Hoosen concluded.