Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (YOA Cable) has solidified its position as the largest optical fiber manufacturer in Africa following a significant expansion investment of ZAR 160 million in its 14,000 m² optical fiber manufacturing facility, located at the Dube Trade Port in KwaZulu-Natal.
The company’s total investment now stands at over ZAR 320 million, marking a significant milestone in local optical fiber manufacturing and innovation.
Localization of Optical Fiber Supply Chain
Speaking at a launch event, Pieter Viljoen, Chief Executive Officer of YOA Cable, shared, “Our journey began with an initial investment of ZAR 150 million, which helped to establish a local presence in optical fiber cable manufacturing in South Africa. This latest strategic move is set to transform our operations, significantly increase production capacity of locally manufactured optical fiber cable, and explore new opportunities for growth across the Southern African region.”
Through collaboration with strategic partners, YOA Cable has successfully introduced South Africa’s first locally produced polyethylene for optical fiber cable manufacturing—marking a breakthrough after more than two decades. “This is an example of impactful localization of optical fiber supply chain,” Viljoen noted.
Supporting Africa’s Digital Economy
The facility’s expansion directly responds to the growing demand for high-speed connectivity, fueled by the rapid digital transformation across industries, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and government services.
“With the rapid expansion of 5G and AI (artificial intelligence)-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,” Viljoen continued. He further highlighted that 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 neighboring 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.
Towards a More Connected, Inclusive, and Innovative Economy for South Africans
The cable industry in South Africa is a designated sector recognized by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) as essential for economic growth and sustainability. As a result, the industry faces direct competition from international suppliers, particularly where large-scale manufacturing enables cost advantages.
With this in mind, Viljoen commented:
As we expand, our goal is not just to compete locally but to match or exceed the affordability and efficiency of imported optical fiber cables to ensure that our products remain competitive.
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.
Local optical fiber cable manufacturing and expertise will enable direct collaboration with telecom operators and fiber network owners to develop fit-for-purpose products, which will result in expanding broadband access, bridging the connectivity gaps, and particularly providing connectivity in remote and rural areas, enabling greater economic participation.
Boosting Africa’s Technical Expertise
“The successful deployment of local optical fiber infrastructure depends not only on our expertise but also on skilled professionals in optical fiber technology,” Viljoen said.
YOA Cable currently employs 155 people, and the expansion is set to create additional employment, increasing this number to over 210 in 2025. Approximately 25% of these positions will be dedicated to learnerships and internships through YOA Cable’s Learnership and Internship Programme, which directly supports the Youth Employment Programme.
“Through these internships, we have been able to absorb young people into different departments within the business, in both technical and non-technical roles. In turn, we have the opportunity to upskill, create employment, and drive skills development to create a pool of technical expertise for the country,” Viljoen concluded.
