AFR-IX Telecom, a leading African telecom and infrastructure operator, has successfully secured new funding from the European Commission to support the MEDUSA AFRICA Submarine Cable System through the CEF Digital program. This investment marks a major step in improving digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, promoting economic and technological development across both continents.
The Medusa Submarine Cable System, originally aimed at enhancing intercontinental connectivity across the Mediterranean, will now extend further into West Africa. This expansion strengthens interconnectivity between the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, addressing growing connectivity demands, increasing network redundancy, and improving resilience across critical communications infrastructure.
A Strategic Investment in Africa’s Digital Future
The European Commission, through its Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways program (CEF – DIG 2023 – GATEWAYS), has awarded a €14.3 million grant to support 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.
As part of the project, a dedicated African connectivity subsystem will be created within the broader Medusa network. This includes conducting a marine survey for a Branching Unit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and evaluating potential branch routes along Africa’s west coastline.
EU’s Commitment to Global Connectivity
The MEDUSA AFRICA project is one of 21 selected for the third round of CEF Digital funding. Another AFR-IX Telecom initiative, ATMED Malta – DG, which will integrate Malta into the Medusa network, received €3.7 million in funding.
These grants are part of the European Commission’s larger €420 million investment in digital infrastructure, with €142 million specifically allocated for submarine cable projects. This commitment underlines the EU’s dedication to strengthening global connectivity and advancing Africa’s digital future.
