Boosting Africa’s Digital Future: USTDA Funds Medusa Cable Extension
The digital landscape of Africa is poised for a significant transformation following an announcement from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The agency is providing funding for a crucial feasibility study aimed at extending the Medusa submarine cable from its current Mediterranean footprint to the Atlantic coast of Africa. This strategic move, undertaken in collaboration with AFR-IX Telecom, the developer behind the Medusa project, is set to dramatically enhance high-speed internet access and fortify international communication security across the continent. It represents a commitment to supporting robust digital infrastructure and fostering economic development in emerging markets.
Enhancing Connectivity and Security Across Africa
This USTDA-backed study will meticulously assess both the technical and commercial viability of extending the Medusa cable network. A key objective is to leverage American expertise to recommend “trusted” standards and offer reliable alternatives to what are deemed less secure providers. This initiative underscores a global effort to bolster the security of international communications, ensuring resilient and dependable digital pathways. The expanded Medusa project is projected to deliver improved connectivity to as many as 22 African nations, bridging critical digital divides and unlocking new opportunities for businesses and communities. The original Medusa cable, spanning over 8,700 kilometers, is designed to link North Africa with Southern Europe through 17 landing points, with initial operational services anticipated between 2025 and 2026. Further demonstrating its impact, Tunisie Telecom forged a strategic partnership with Medusa/AFR-IX in February 2025, securing a dedicated 20 Terabits per second (Tb/s) link connecting Bizerte to Marseille, highlighting the significant capacity and reach this infrastructure will provide.
This expansion of the Medusa submarine cable, fueled by USTDA funding, marks a pivotal step in Africa’s digital transformation journey. By prioritizing secure, high-capacity fiber optic connections, the project promises to empower millions with faster internet, foster innovation, and support the continent’s growing digital economy. It exemplifies a collaborative vision for a more interconnected and digitally secure future for Africa.
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