Orange Tunisie and Medusa Submarine Cable System Announce the Landing of the MEDUSA Submarine Cable in Bizerte
Orange Tunisie and Medusa Submarine Cable System have announced the landing of the MEDUSA submarine cable in Bizerte, marking a decisive step in strengthening Tunisia's digital connectivity and integrating it into the global digital economy.
A Strategic Infrastructure for the Region
Tunisia has become the first country in the African continent to host the MEDUSA cable, a strategic infrastructure that will eventually connect 13 countries in North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East.
The MEDUSA system, which spans over 8,000 km, is the largest submarine fiber optic network in the Mediterranean. It will directly connect Tunisia to Marseille, where the cable landed on October 8, before continuing its deployment to other Mediterranean countries.
A Key Milestone for Tunisia's Digital Economy
The Tunisian section of the cable stretches over 1,040 km and will offer Orange Tunisie a maximum capacity of 24 Tbps. The operator will own and manage the landing station in Bizerte, including all associated technical infrastructure, thereby reinforcing Tunisia's role as a strategic digital hub in the Mediterranean.
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A Project Supported by the European Union
The MEDUSA project is supported by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility – Digital and by the European Investment Bank, as part of the implementation of the Global Gateway strategy. The project aims to strengthen digital infrastructure connecting Europe and Africa.
For the European Union, these infrastructures are essential for better integrating Tunisia into European markets and research centers, strengthening digital sovereignty and network resilience, and promoting digital inclusion of populations.
A Ceremony Marking the Cable Landing
An official inauguration ceremony was held in Bizerte in the presence of high-ranking officials, including Stéphane Varret, General Manager of Orange Tunisie, Giuseppe Perrone, Ambassador of the European Union, Anne Guéguen, Ambassador of France, Francisco Javier Puig Saura, Ambassador of Spain, Norman Albi, General Manager of Medusa, and numerous institutional representatives, industrial partners, and local authorities.
Statements from Key Officials
Stéphane Varret, General Manager of Orange Tunisie, stated: "We are particularly proud to host MEDUSA, a strategic infrastructure that consolidates Tunisia's position as a digital hub in the Mediterranean. This project, carried out alongside Medusa Submarine Cable System and supported by the European Union, illustrates our commitment to sustainably connecting territories and accelerating the country's digital transformation."
Giuseppe Perrone, Ambassador of the European Union, stated: "Through the Global Gateway initiative, the European Union supports the creation of concrete digital bridges between our continents. MEDUSA symbolizes this modern Euro-African partnership, based on connectivity, innovation, and shared values of sustainable development."
Norman Albi, General Manager of Medusa Submarine Cable System, stated: "The landing of the Medusa submarine cable in Bizerte concretizes a shared vision: that of a more connected, open, and competitive Mediterranean. Thanks to close collaboration with our partner Orange Tunisie, we are bringing Africa and Europe closer together by deploying essential infrastructure for the region's economic development and technological progress over the next 25 years."
Orange Tunisie's Commitment to Digital Transformation
Following the success of the DIDON cable in 2014, Orange Tunisie continues its commitment to developing international infrastructure. With MEDUSA, the operator reaffirms its willingness to actively participate in the country's digital transformation, strengthen Tunisia's attractiveness to investors, and consolidate its role as a regional digital hub.
Press Release
