Cameroon Finalizes MoU to Join Medusa Africa Submarine Cable Project

Cameroon is making significant strides towards enhancing its digital connectivity infrastructure by finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to join the Medusa Africa submarine cable project. According to reports from the Econfin Agency, the agreement has been submitted to the Presidency for approval. The project, which represents a financial commitment of CFA32.8 billion (equivalent to US$58.6 million), is poised to transform the nation’s digital landscape significantly. The Medusa cable, spearheaded by AFR-IX Telecom and backed by the European Union, is set to be operational by 2028, linking Southern Europe with West and Central Africa, thereby bridging critical digital divides.

Medusa Cable: A Game Changer for Cameroon’s Connectivity

For Cameroon, joining the Medusa system signifies a substantial upgrade to its current international connectivity routes. Once the cable lands at Kribi, it will become the country’s fifth international route, complementing the existing SAIL, WACS, SAT-3, and NCSCS systems. Notably, the Medusa system boasts a high-capacity, multidirectional design, offering a modern alternative to the ageing SAT-3 cable. This advanced infrastructure is expected to attract global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta due to its enhanced reliability and scalability, potentially elevating Cameroon’s position as a critical regional digital hub in Africa.

Strategic Vision: Strengthening Cameroon’s Role in Africa’s Digital Economy

Officials believe the Medusa cable project will play a pivotal role in strengthening Cameroon’s role in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. The new infrastructure is expected to increase not only international connectivity but also drive regional collaborations in technology and digital services. This strategic upgrade aligns with broader national objectives aimed at transforming Cameroon into a regional hub for innovation, data centers, and tech-driven development. However, challenges remain, such as low utilization of existing submarine cables—currently estimated at just 16%. This underscores the urgent need for a robust commercial strategy from Camtel, the country’s telecom operator, to fully capitalize on Medusa’s potential and ensure its long-term success.

Potential Economic and Technological Impact

The Medusa Africa submarine cable represents an enormous economic opportunity for Cameroon. By providing faster and more reliable internet service, the project could empower businesses, promote tech entrepreneurship, and enhance education through improved digital access. Additionally, the cable’s geographic reach and capacity could strengthen Cameroon’s resilience in international data traffic, reducing dependency on older systems and fostering competitiveness in the global digital market. This connectivity upgrade will also likely attract significant investment from hyperscalers and other tech players, bringing additional benefits to the country’s economy.