12 August 2025

Nokia has announced it will provide the technology backbone for the Medusa submarine cable system, a major new project owned by AFR-IX Telecom.

This innovative subsea fibre-optic network aims to link the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea, establishing a high-capacity digital corridor that will boost connectivity, foster innovation, and support economic development across the region.

The Medusa cable represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide between Europe and North Africa, connecting countries including Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, and Egypt with high-speed fibre links. Designed as an open-access network, Medusa will enable telecom providers in the region to access advanced connectivity services, supporting the deployment of 5G, expanding cloud infrastructure, and accommodating the rising bandwidth needs driven by AI and other future technologies. Utilising Nokia’s 1830 GX Series platform and ICE7 coherent optics technology — capable of transmitting tens of terabits per second per fibre pair — the system will deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity with optimal cost and energy efficiency.

Miguel Angel Acero, CTO and Founder of Medusa, highlighted the project’s importance, stating that it lays the foundation for a more connected and inclusive digital future. He emphasised that Nokia’s subsea optical solutions will enable Medusa to offer faster, more reliable connectivity at lower costs, with scalable capacity to meet evolving demands.

“This partnership ensures we can address today’s needs while building a robust infrastructure for the future,” said Acero.