The largest China-invested fiber optic manufacturing facility in Africa is the Yangtze Optics Africa Cable (YOA) factory at Dube TradePort, South Africa, producing over three million fiber kilometers annually.

Overview of YOA Factory

The YOA factory is a joint venture between Chinese-owned Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) and South Africa's Mustek Limited. Located in the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone north of Durban, the facility spans 14,000 m² and is the largest optical fiber cable manufacturing plant in Africa . The factory was initially established in 2016 and has undergone multiple expansions, including a R160-million investment to introduce intelligent optical fiber manufacturing technologies .

Production Capacity and Technology

The YOA factory has a production capacity of over three million fiber kilometers per year, making it the continent's largest producer . At full speed, the facility can produce over 4,000 fiber kilometers of cable daily, much of which is destined for African telecom networks . The factory manufactures polyethylene-based optical fiber cables, including trenchable and direct-burial types, supporting high-speed internet connectivity across urban and rural areas . The facility also emphasizes localization, producing essential materials like natural polyethylene locally for the first time in over 20 years .

Workforce and Skills Development

The YOA factory employs 155–260 people, with about 50% women in the workforce . The company runs youth leadership programs, internships, and 12-month learnerships to train graduates and matriculants in finance, manufacturing, IT, and engineering, fostering local skills in fiber optic technology . This initiative addresses youth unemployment and builds a pipeline of skilled professionals for Africa's digital economy.

Impact on Africa's Digital Infrastructure

The YOA factory plays a critical role in boosting broadband access, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting digital transformation across Southern Africa . By producing trenchable fiber optic cables locally, the factory enables faster deployment of FTTH, MNO backhaul, and metro networks, contributing to inclusive digital connectivity in both urban and rural regions . The facility also supports carrier-neutral data centers and telecom operators with high-density fiber solutions.

Other Chinese Fiber Initiatives

In addition to YOA, Fibrafrica, a commercial brand of Minqing Fibramérica Technology, supplies factory-direct fiber optic solutions across Africa, including ADSS, armored, drop, and duct cables, as well as GPON/XGS-PON equipment for last-mile networks . These initiatives complement YOA's production by providing ready-to-deploy fiber assemblies and professional installation tools for African telecom operators.

Summary

The China-Africa fiber optic trench production ecosystem is anchored by the YOA factory in South Africa, which combines high production capacity, advanced manufacturing technology, and local workforce development. Together with suppliers like Fibrafrica, these facilities are transforming Africa's digital infrastructure, enabling faster internet deployment, supporting local economies, and fostering skills development in the fiber optic sector.