Uniting Europe and Africa: Medusa Cable transforms digital connectivity

AFR-IX Telecom, a leading telecom and infrastructure operator in Africa, has received new funding from the European Commission to advance the MEDUSA AFRICA Submarine Cable System under the CEF Digital programme

This investment represents a major step in strengthening digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, fostering economic growth and technological advancements across the region.

Expanding the Medusa Submarine Cable into West Africa

Originally designed to improve intercontinental connectivity across the Mediterranean, the Medusa Submarine Cable System will now extend deeper into West Africa. This expansion enhances interconnection between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, easing potential network congestion as demand for connectivity surges. Additionally, it will provide improved redundancy and greater resilience for critical digital infrastructure.

A strategic investment in Africa’s digital future

The European Commission, through its Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways programme (CEF – DIG 2023 – GATEWAYS), has awarded a €14.3 million (approx. US$15.5mn) grant to the MEDUSA AFRICA project. This initiative aims to link the Southern European Data Gateway with Atlantic Africa via a 24-fiber pair submarine cable system.

The project will lay the foundation for a dedicated African connectivity subsystem within the Medusa network. This includes conducting a marine survey for a Branching Unit extending to the Democratic Republic of Congo and exploring potential branching routes along the West African coastline.

EU’s commitment to strengthening global digital connectivity

MEDUSA AFRICA is one of 21 projects selected for funding in the third round of the CEF Digital programme. Another AFR-IX Telecom initiative, ATMED Malta – DG, which integrates Malta into the Medusa network, has been awarded €3.7 million (approx. US$4mn) in funding.

These grants are part of the European Commission’s €420 million (approx. US$455mn) investment in digital infrastructure, with €142 million (approx. US$154mn) specifically allocated to submarine cable projects.