AFR-IX Telecom Begins Installation of Major Submarine Cable Linking Europe and North Africa
Marseille, France – Installation has begun on a new 8,700+ kilometer submarine cable project spearheaded by AFR-IX Telecom, designed to substantially boost connectivity between Southern Europe and North Africa. The first segment, connecting Marseille to Bizerte (Tunisia) and Nador (Morocco), is slated for completion between the end of October and December 2025, wiht full deployment continuing throughout 2026. The cable will feature 19 landing points in total.
The project represents a significant investment in digital infrastructure for the region. In March 2025, AFR-IX Telecom secured €14.3 million in funding from the European Commission to support an expansion into West Africa. Gabon has already signed an agreement for a cable connection, anticipated by 2028. A feasibility study, launched in partnership with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) last September, is underway to assess extending the cable to an additional 22 African countries.
According to Medusa, the system will utilize segments with up to 24 fiber pairs, each capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 20 terabits per second. The initial phase is expected to be operational in early 2026. Industry analysis suggests increased submarine cable capacity will lower mobile broadband costs and encourage wider adoption of digital services, contingent on robust fiber optic networks within African nations to distribute the connectivity inland.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Published by Sèna DB de Sodji
Related: https://www.agenceecofin.com/actualites-numerique/2409-131753-apres-l-ue-le-cable-medusa-obtient-l-appui-des-usa-pour-son-extension-en-afrique – 09/24/2025 – after the EU, the Medusa cable obtains support from the USA for its extension to Africa
