AFR-IX Telecom secures funding for MEDUSA AFRICA
Summary
AFR-IX Telecom has successfully secured new funding from the European Commission to support the MEDUSA AFRICA Submarine Cable System through the CEF Digital programme.This investment represents a significant advancement in improving digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, aiding in the economic and technological development of the region.The MEDUSA Submarine Cable System is strategically designed to enhance intercontinental connectivity across the Mediterranean, with plans to expand further into West Africa. This extension will improve interconnectivity between the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, addressing the potential saturation caused by rising connectivity demands. Additionally, it will provide increased redundancy and bolster resilience within critical network infrastructures.The European Commission, under its Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways program (CEF DIG 2023 GATEWAYS), has awarded a grant of 14.3 million to fund the MEDUSA AFRICA project. The initiative aims to link the Southern European Data Gateway with Atlantic Africa through a 24-fiber pair submarine cable system.This project will establish a dedicated African connectivity subsystem within the larger Medusa network, which includes conducting marine surveys from a designated Branching Unit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and assessing potential branch routes along the African west coastline.The MEDUSA AFRICA project is one of 21 initiatives selected in the third round of CEF Digital funding. This ongoing commitment underscores the EUs dedication to enhancing global connectivity and facilitating economic growth across regions.