The digital landscape between North Africa and Europe took a significant leap forward on July 28 with the launch of the Medusa project, a colossal submarine cable initiative aimed at transforming trans-Mediterranean connectivity.
Nokia has been selected to provide cutting-edge optical technology for this ambitious infrastructure, set to become one of the largest and most advanced networks in the region.
Stretching over 8,700 kilometers, the cable will connect key European hubs—including Greece, France, Portugal, and Italy—with several Maghreb countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Notably, the system will make landfall in the Moroccan cities of Tetouan and Nador. The project is spearheaded by AFR-IX Telecom, a specialist in African and Mediterranean connectivity solutions, according to reports from LeDesk.
Far beyond a mere physical link, Medusa promises to be a vital cornerstone for the region’s digital future. Equipped with Nokia’s latest optical technology, the network is designed to deliver ultra-high speeds, minimal latency, and exceptional reliability—features critical to sectors like cloud computing, data services, and digital enterprises.
With a total investment of 342 million euros, partly funded by European public resources, the initiative underscores the European Union’s strategic interest in strengthening economic and technological bonds with North Africa.
It also aims to reduce longstanding digital disparities, addressing the growing demand for robust bandwidth that supports regional digital transformation.
Miguel Angel Acero, the project’s technical director, highlights how the infrastructure will foster a more balanced and open digital ecosystem, facilitating regional cooperation and creating fertile ground for innovation hubs and digital services.
At a time when submarine cables carry nearly all global internet traffic, the Medusa project’s deployment is both timely and critical. By integrating North African networks more seamlessly into European data flows, this venture not only enhances connectivity but also advances regional digital sovereignty—an essential goal for the years ahead.
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