Angola Cables has announced the appointment of Adriano Caldevilla as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a strategic move that signals the company’s growing ambition to expand its global digital infrastructure footprint. Caldevilla will lead the company’s technology strategy across its core operations in Angola and its subsidiary TelCables, with a strong focus on interconnection, subsea cable expansion, and advanced cybersecurity solutions.
The appointment comes at a critical time for the telecoms industry, as demand for secure, high-speed connectivity surges in both established and emerging markets. With over two decades of experience in networks, subsea cable systems, and digital transformation projects, Caldevilla brings international expertise that aligns with Angola Cables’ mission to strengthen connectivity across Africa, Latin America, and beyond.
Expanding Subsea Cable Infrastructure
A key part of Caldevilla’s mandate will be the expansion and optimization of subsea cable infrastructure. Subsea cables form the backbone of global internet traffic, carrying over 95% of international data. Angola Cables already operates major systems such as the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS), which directly connects Africa to South America, significantly reducing latency between the two continents.
Industry reports highlight that the subsea cable market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.5% through 2030, driven by cloud adoption, data center growth, and video streaming demands. For Angola Cables, reinforcing its subsea presence will not only support increased capacity but also position the company as a key connector between continents.
Caldevilla’s prior involvement in planning intercontinental submarine systems positions him to drive this expansion effectively. His expertise in balancing technical scalability with cost optimization will be crucial as global data consumption continues to rise.
Strengthening Angola Cables’ Presence in Brazil
One of the strategic regions under Caldevilla’s leadership is Brazil. With a fast-growing digital economy and rising demand for enterprise connectivity, Brazil represents a vital hub for Angola Cables. Through its SACS cable, Angola Cables has already shortened connectivity routes between Brazil and Africa, making it a preferred option for companies seeking low-latency links to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Caldevilla is expected to focus on expanding these opportunities by developing new partnerships with cloud providers, enterprises, and local telecom operators. According to Brazil’s Ministry of Communications, the country saw a 12% rise in internet traffic in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for expanded infrastructure and interconnection services. By enhancing Angola Cables’ role in Brazil, Caldevilla will help bridge digital divides while tapping into a lucrative market for enterprise data services.
A Veteran with Global Experience
Caldevilla’s professional journey includes senior roles at global leaders such as Zoom Video Communications, Globenet/Oi, Akamai Technologies, Global Crossing (Level 3), Verizon, and Orange. Each of these roles has equipped him with hands-on experience in IP transit, peering arrangements, advanced cybersecurity, and large-scale network operations.
At Akamai, he contributed to building global content delivery strategies that supported millions of users worldwide. At Zoom, he gained insight into the evolving needs of enterprise collaboration platforms and the importance of resilient network connectivity. This diverse background makes him uniquely suited to lead Angola Cables as it scales up to meet the demands of multinational customers.
In his statement, Caldevilla emphasized the global mission: “It is an honor to join Angola Cables at this pivotal moment of global evolution. As an internationally recognized network operator with significant growth in recent years, I am excited to help shape the next chapter by delivering content, connectivity, and digital solutions to more countries and customers worldwide.”
Driving Digital Security and Interconnection
In addition to infrastructure, cybersecurity will be a critical priority. With cyberattacks increasing across Africa and Latin America, network operators are under pressure to integrate robust security protocols. Caldevilla’s background in advanced digital security ensures Angola Cables is positioned to respond to these threats.
Industry data from Cybersecurity Ventures suggests that global cybercrime costs will reach USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025. For Angola Cables, embedding strong security measures within its network services could be a differentiating factor in winning enterprise and government clients who require guaranteed data protection.
Moreover, interconnection services—linking multiple networks to enable seamless traffic exchange—will be another focus. The company already offers Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and data center services, and Caldevilla is expected to enhance these by building partnerships with regional and international operators.
The Connectivity Challenge in Africa
Despite rapid progress, Africa still faces significant connectivity gaps. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 65% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population remains offline, even though network coverage has expanded. This “connectivity paradox” underscores the importance of not only building infrastructure but also ensuring affordability and usability.
Angola Cables’ expansion of intercontinental networks, coupled with its work through TelCables in offering regional access solutions, can play a role in addressing this gap. Caldevilla’s leadership will likely prioritize collaboration with governments, NGOs, and private sector partners to make digital services more accessible.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth
Looking ahead, Angola Cables is expected to intensify its partnership strategy. This includes alliances with hyperscale cloud providers, data center operators, and regional carriers. By building integrated ecosystems, Angola Cables can provide not just connectivity, but end-to-end digital services.
Caldevilla’s past experience in forging partnerships at both technical and executive levels will be vital. His approach aligns with global telecom trends, where collaboration often unlocks more value than isolated investments.
Additionally, Angola Cables is likely to explore new revenue streams in edge computing, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and digital platforms, areas where network performance and resilience are critical.
A Pivotal Appointment for Angola Cables
The decision to appoint Adriano Caldevilla as CTO reflects Angola Cables’ recognition of the need for seasoned leadership in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. With a global surge in data consumption, rising demand for secure interconnection, and ongoing efforts to bridge digital divides, Caldevilla’s appointment comes at a defining moment.
His leadership will be tested in balancing ambitious expansion goals with the practical challenges of operating across multiple regions. However, his track record suggests a capacity to deliver both technical innovation and business growth.
As Angola Cables pushes forward with its mission to enhance global connectivity, the appointment of Caldevilla represents not just a leadership change, but a clear signal that the company is ready to compete more aggressively on the global stage. In doing so, it has the potential to shape digital access across continents, reinforcing its role as a central player in the global telecommunications landscape.
