Tunisia is now the first African nation to host the MEDUSA cable, a major project that will connect thirteen countries across North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. Spanning over 8,000 km, MEDUSA is the largest submarine fibre optic network in the Mediterranean, with the Tunisian segment extending 1,040 km. It will provide Orange Tunisia with a maximum capacity of 24 Tbps, enhancing the country’s connectivity and resilience.
The cable landed in Marseille on October 8th and will extend its deployment across the Mediterranean, fostering stronger digital links between Europe and Africa. Orange Tunisia will own and operate the Bizerte landing station and its associated infrastructure, further cementing Tunisia’s strategic role in regional digital development.
Supported by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility – Digital initiative, and financed by the European Investment Bank under the Global Gateway strategy, the MEDUSA project aims to improve digital infrastructure, enhance network resilience, and promote digital inclusion across the region. For the EU, this infrastructure is vital for integrating Tunisia into European markets, strengthening digital sovereignty, and fostering research and innovation collaborations.
The launch ceremony in Bizerte was attended by high-level officials including Stéphane Varret, Managing Director of Orange Tunisia; Giuseppe Perrone, EU Ambassador; Anne Guéguen, French Ambassador; Francisco Javier Puig Saura, Spanish Ambassador; Norman Albi, CEO of Medusa; along with numerous institutional representatives, industry partners, and local authorities.
In his remarks, Stéphane Varret expressed pride in contributing to Tunisia’s digital transformation, emphasising MEDUSA’s role in consolidating the country’s position as a Mediterranean digital hub. Giuseppe Perrone highlighted the EU’s support for Euro-African connectivity through the Global Gateway initiative, emphasising shared values of sustainable development and innovation. Norman Albi underscored the project’s importance for regional economic progress and technological advancement over the next 25 years.
