Facebook “Africa Connect”
Director: Tyler Manson
This film for Facebook explores a big, ambitious idea: what it really takes to make the internet accessible to everyone—and why that matters, especially across Africa.
Directed and shot by Tyler Manson, the piece focuses on the gap between the promise of the internet and the reality on the ground. In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, access is still limited—not just because of infrastructure, but also because of cost. While the internet has become essential to modern life, a large portion of the population remains unconnected.
The film highlights the work of the Internet Society, a global nonprofit focused on building an open, secure, and accessible internet. One of their key efforts is developing internet exchange points (IXPs)—local hubs where service providers can exchange traffic within a country instead of routing it internationally. The result is faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet access.
But the story goes beyond technology. A major focus is on people—training local teams, building knowledge, and creating systems that can sustain themselves over time. The idea is simple: if communities have ownership and understanding, the impact lasts.
Partnership also plays a critical role. Collaborations with organizations like Facebook help bring resources, funding, and visibility to these efforts, accelerating progress in meaningful ways. By investing in both infrastructure and education, these partnerships are helping expand access and opportunity.
At its core, the film is about potential. Greater connectivity means more than just being online—it opens doors to education, job creation, and entrepreneurship. It creates pathways for growth and innovation.
The message is ultimately hopeful: when people have access to the internet, they have access to possibility—and that can shape a much brighter future.
Watch our five title 2025 2Africa film series that continues this exciting sub sea cable story.
