(Ecofin Agency) - Gabon is strategically located in Central Africa, making it a potential digital gateway for West and Central Africa. With the Medusa cable, the country can serve as a connectivity hub for landlocked nations, improving regional internet distribution.

ACE Gabon and Medusa Africa have officially signed a Construction and Maintenance Agreement (C&MA) to land the Medusa submarine cable in Port-Gentil, Gabon. The agreement was signed on March 17 in the presence of Gabon’s Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies, Brigadier General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza. It marks a major milestone in the country’s digital infrastructure development.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Cyriaque Didier Kouma, CEO of ACE Gabon, and Mr. Norman Albi, CEO of Medusa Africa. Speaking on the impact of this partnership, Mr. Kouma stated, “Today, we are working with capacities around 20 terabits, but with Medusa, we are moving towards 400 terabits.” This expansion is set to transform Gabon’s digital landscape, fostering innovation and enhancing services for businesses and consumers alike.

Under the agreement, ACE Gabon will serve as the official Landing Party, responsible for local investments, operational support, and maintenance of the cable within Gabon’s territorial waters. The system is expected to have a lifespan of 25 years, during which ACE Gabon will also hold rights along the trunk of the Medusa cable, enabling it to provide regional and international broadband services.

The partnership reinforces Gabon’s role as a key connectivity hub in the region, further integrating the country into global digital networks. The Medusa submarine cable, developed by AFR-IX telecom, spans the Mediterranean and West Africa, connecting numerous countries and now extending into Gabon. This expansion will enhance connectivity, increase redundancy, and boost data capacity to meet the growing demand for digital services across the region.

Mr. Albi emphasized the importance of the project, noting that extending the Medusa cable to Gabon strengthens intercontinental connectivity, mitigates potential network congestion, and enhances resilience. “The agreement with ACE Gabon ensures that Gabon will benefit from high-capacity and reliable international connectivity,” he added.

This development comes after AFR-IX Telecom secured funding last week from the European Commission through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital program to support the expansion of the MEDUSA AFRICA Submarine Cable System. The expansion will enable higher broadband penetration in Africa, supporting digital services like e-learning, fintech, and e-commerce.

With this new development, Gabon is set to become a significant player in Africa’s digital future, providing a solid foundation for technological advancements and increased global connectivity.

Hikmatu Bilali