Landmark agreement paves way for 7-billion vatu investment in digital connectivity

Representative of the people of Pango Village have given its approval for the second submarine cable project to proceed in their waters, marking a major step in strengthening Vanuatu’s digital infrastructure.

Earlier this week, Matai Kalwatman, on behalf of the chiefs and people of Pango, signed an agreement with Simon Fletcher, CEO of PRIMA Limited, at a ceremony held at Warwick Lagoon.

The new Tamtam Cable will connect Vanuatu with New Caledonia and is valued at more than 7 billion vatu. The project is expected to significantly improve internet connectivity and provide direct international capacity not only for Efate but also for Tanna, Santo, and Malekula.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat, present at the signing, thanked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of France for their support and funding. He also acknowledged the chiefs and customary landowners of Pango for their strong backing of the initiative.

“This project is not just a technological upgrade but a foundation on which we will build a more resilient, secure, and inclusive society,” PM Napat said.

The French Ambassador to Vanuatu emphasized that the project will increase the country’s autonomy and resilience, while Fletcher noted that the signing marked the “full consent” of the Pango community for the landing site.

Beyond connectivity, the cable will also enhance environmental monitoring. The project includes four advanced Climate Change Nodes, which will allow real-time monitoring of seismic activity and tsunami detection. Technology from the system is expected to transform disaster warning mechanisms across the Pacific, boosting regional readiness and resilience against natural disasters