The Medusa submarine cable system, the largest undersea connectivity project in the Mediterranean, has reached a major milestone with the successful landing of its cable in Nador, Morocco. This achievement follows the cable’s earlier deployments in Marseille, France, in October, and Bizerte, Tunisia, in November, advancing the system across both shores of the Mediterranean. The Nador landing is part of a broader project aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure by providing resilient, high-capacity connectivity routes between Europe and North Africa. This step strengthens the region’s strategic role in global data flows and meets the growing demand for secure and reliable international bandwidth.
“This year, Medusa has made significant progress, and its deployment in Nador marks another key milestone,” said Norman Albi, CEO of Medusa. “Following Marseille and Bizerte, this achievement demonstrates our commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art submarine network connecting the entire Mediterranean region.”
Throughout 2026, further deployments are planned, gradually expanding the system across the region. The project aims to deploy over 8,700 km of submarine cables linking Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with 19 landing points in total.
Local Partners Drive Medusa’s Development in Morocco
Local operators Orange Maroc and Inwi have been instrumental in extending the cable to Nador, supporting the project’s development and strengthening Morocco’s regional connectivity position.
“The landing of the Medusa submarine cable in Nador is a major step for Morocco’s international connectivity and digital sovereignty. For Inwi, this project represents a long-term commitment to invest in resilient, high-capacity infrastructure. By diversifying international connections, we support digital growth, economic competitiveness, and Morocco’s ambition to become a regional connectivity hub, in line with the Maroc Digital 2030 Strategy,” said Azdine El Mountassir Billah, CEO of Inwi.
“The Medusa landing in Nador is a decisive milestone for Morocco’s connectivity and reinforces its role as a regional digital hub,” stated Hendrik Kasteel, CEO of Orange Maroc. “Orange Maroc is proud to host this submarine cable and inaugurate the country’s first landing station. This project was made possible through the dedication of our teams in Morocco and the expertise and support of the Orange Group and its specialized subsidiaries, Orange Marine and Elettra TLC. It underscores our long-term commitment to building infrastructure that strengthens digital sovereignty and economic development.”
EU-Backed Initiatives Enhance Regional Research, Education, and Infrastructure
This milestone aligns with broader EU efforts to enhance digital connectivity, research collaboration, and infrastructure across the Mediterranean. With funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for GÉANT, the EU is boosting the capacity of national research and education networks (NRENs) and strengthening links among regional research centers. Additionally, through the Connecting Europe Facility, the EU supports strategic submarine cable projects, including the ATMED Nador project by AFR-IX Telecom, enhancing digital resilience and cross-border cooperation throughout the Mediterranean.
“A reliable and secure digital connectivity is essential for economic resilience, innovation, and regional integration. The landing of the Medusa cable in Nador is a significant step in strengthening digital links between Europe and North Africa, providing high-capacity, cybersecurity-ready connectivity. By directly connecting national research and education networks, this project will foster closer cooperation among universities and research centers, promoting knowledge exchange and innovation,” said Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice President of the European Investment Bank.
“The high-speed MEDUSA submarine cable landing in Nador reflects the spirit of the recently launched Pact for the Mediterranean. Beyond providing secure and open connectivity between Europe and Morocco, this cable paves the way for dynamic, innovative, and ambitious digital cooperation. It symbolizes our shared ambition to position our countries—and the Mediterranean region as a whole—at the forefront of ongoing technological advances,” added Dimiter Tzantchev, EU Ambassador to Morocco.
With further deployments planned throughout 2026, Medusa continues to progress toward full system implementation, solidifying its role as a transformative project for regional and international telecommunications.
Source: eeas
