Algeria has officially entered a new phase in its digital transformation with the inauguration of the Medusa submarine fiber-optic cable, a landmark project connecting Africa and Europe through one of the Mediterranean’s most advanced telecommunications infrastructures. The ceremony, held at the Port of Algiers and supervised by Sid Ali Zerrouki, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, marked a defining moment in Algeria’s emergence as a regional digital hub.
Spanning over 8,700 kilometers, the Medusa cable will connect more than ten Mediterranean countries, delivering a transmission capacity of up to 20 terabits per second per fiber pair. As one of the most ambitious connectivity projects in the region, Medusa is designed to enhance speed, reliability, and resilience of global communications, solidifying Algeria’s role in international data exchange.
Within Algeria, two key landing points — in Algiers and Collo (Skikda) — will link directly with major landing stations in Southern Europe, approximately 900 kilometers away. These nodes will provide Algeria with greater network independence and cybersecurity resilience, reducing dependence on third-party international infrastructure.
The Medusa project is expected to significantly boost Internet quality and capacity, support the nationwide rollout of 5G, and enable the growth of cloud computing and data-driven services. It also enhances the country’s submarine route diversity, ensuring more stable and secure connectivity for businesses, government entities, and citizens alike.
Launched in 2020, the project remains on schedule. The western segment—which includes Algeria—is anticipated to go live by the end of 2026, with the entire network becoming fully operational in early 2027.
The launch underscores Algeria’s commitment to digital sovereignty and technological modernization, positioning it as a pivotal bridge between Africa and Europe in the global digital economy.
