What's Happening?
Cameroon has finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join the Medusa Africa submarine cable project, which is now awaiting approval from the Presidency. The project, led by AFR-IX Telecom and backed
by the European Union, aims to connect Southern Europe with West and Central Africa by 2028. Cameroon's investment in the project is estimated at CFA32.8 billion (approximately US$58.6 million). The Medusa cable is designed to provide high capacity and multidirectional connectivity, offering a strategic upgrade over the existing SAT-3 system. This development is expected to enhance Cameroon's role as a regional digital hub, potentially attracting major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta.
Why It's Important?
The Medusa cable project represents a significant advancement in Cameroon's digital infrastructure, which is crucial for the country's economic development and integration into the global digital economy. By improving connectivity, Cameroon can enhance its competitiveness and attract foreign investment in the tech sector. The project also aligns with broader efforts to improve internet access and digital services across Africa, which are essential for economic growth and social development. However, the success of the project will depend on Camtel's ability to effectively utilize the new capacity, as current utilization rates of existing cables are low.
What's Next?
Following the approval of the MoU, Cameroon will need to develop a comprehensive commercial strategy to maximize the benefits of the Medusa cable. This includes increasing the utilization of existing and new cable capacities and attracting tech companies to establish operations in the country. The government and Camtel will likely engage in discussions with potential partners and investors to ensure the project's success. Additionally, the project will require ongoing collaboration with international stakeholders to meet the 2028 operational target.
