Cameroon has completed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to participate in the Medusa Africa submarine cable project and has forwarded it to the Presidency for final approval.
The country’s contribution to the project is estimated at CFA 32.8 billion (approximately US$58.6 million).
Led by AFR-IX Telecom and supported by the European Union, the Medusa system is set to become operational by 2028, providing a high-capacity, multidirectional link connecting Southern Europe with West and Central Africa. Once connected at the port of Kribi, Cameroon will add a fifth international route, complementing existing connections via SAIL, WACS, SAT-3, and NCSCS.
The new cable’s advanced capacity and design are viewed as a strategic upgrade over the aging SAT-3 system. It is expected to attract hyperscalers such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta, which could boost Cameroon’s digital ecosystem. The government officials hope the project will elevate Cameroon’s status as a regional digital hub. However, concerns remain about the underutilization of existing infrastructure, as Camtel’s current cables are used at only about 16% capacity, underscoring the need for a robust commercial strategy to maximize Medusa’s full potential.
