What is the story about?
What's Happening?
AFR-IX Telecom has initiated the rollout of the Medusa submarine fiber optic cable system with its first landing in Marseille, France. This marks a significant step in connecting Southern Europe with North Africa. The initial segment will link Marseille with Bizerte, Tunisia, and Nador, Morocco, with landings expected between late October and December 2025. The system, spanning approximately 8,700 km, will connect 12 countries across North Africa and Southern Europe, including Portugal, Morocco, Spain, France, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Malta, Libya, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt. The cable system will support up to 24 fiber pairs, each with a capacity of 20 Tbps. The project has received substantial public funding, including €38.3 million from the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility program.
Why It's Important?
The Medusa cable system is poised to significantly enhance digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and knowledge exchange across the Mediterranean region. By improving telecommunications infrastructure, the project aims to foster economic integration and strengthen ties between the continents. The involvement of Tunisie Telecom, which will operate a dedicated fiber-optic link between Bizerte and Marseille, highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative. The enhanced connectivity is expected to drive economic development and facilitate greater collaboration in various sectors, including technology and commerce.
What's Next?
As the first segment of the Medusa cable system approaches operational readiness, further landings are planned throughout 2026 to expand the network across the region. The project will extend beyond the Mediterranean, with connections to the Atlantic Ocean via Portugal and the Red Sea through Aqaba, Jordan. Additionally, expansion to Sub-Saharan Africa is planned, with Gabon scheduled to join the network in 2028. These developments will continue to bolster connectivity and economic ties between Europe and Africa, potentially leading to increased investment and collaboration in the region.
Beyond the Headlines
The Medusa project represents a significant advancement in Mediterranean telecommunications infrastructure, with potential long-term impacts on regional economic integration and digital transformation. By enhancing connectivity, the project may contribute to reducing the digital divide between Europe and Africa, fostering greater inclusivity and access to digital resources. The strategic importance of the initiative is underscored by the substantial public funding it has attracted, reflecting its potential to drive regional development and cooperation.
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