AFR-IX Telecom to Bring Better and Cheaper Internet to West Africa with Medusa Cable
AFR-IX Telecom, a top company that builds internet infrastructure, is working on a big project called Medusa Africa. With €14.3 million ($15.6 million) support from the European Commission, they are extending the Medusa submarine cable system to West Africa. This project will help reduce the cost of internet and improve connectivity across the region.
The Medusa submarine cable is not just a regular cable. It is part of a plan to connect the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea better. This will make the internet in West Africa more stable and faster, even as more people use it. In simple terms, more people will have access to good internet without worrying about it being slow.
How Will This Help West Africa?
One of the best things about this project is that it will likely make internet services cheaper. A World Bank study found that when internet capacity doubles in Africa, the price of fixed broadband internet drops by about 7%, and mobile internet prices drop by 13%. This is great news for West Africans who have been struggling with high internet costs.
In recent years, countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire have seen protests because of expensive internet. According to the International Telecommunication Union, in 2023, the cost of fixed internet and mobile data in Africa was too high for most people. Fixed internet took up 14.8% of an average person’s income, while mobile data took up 4.48%. The Medusa project aims to make internet more affordable for everyone.
What’s Next for the Project?
Right now, AFR-IX Telecom is planning marine studies to find the best routes for the cable along the West African coast. This includes a direct connection to the Democratic Republic of Congo and possibly other coastal countries. While we don’t know exactly when the work will start or how much data the cable can carry, the project is a big step forward for the region.
The Medusa project is part of the European Commission’s plan to invest in Africa’s digital infrastructure. Better internet will not only make life easier but also create new opportunities for businesses, education, and healthcare in West Africa.
What Does This Mean for West Africa?
As West Africans wait for this upgrade, they can look forward to faster, more reliable, and cheaper internet. The Medusa submarine cable is set to be a major milestone in the region’s digital growth. It will help reduce telecom costs and connect people in West Africa to the rest of the world like never before.
This is a big win for everyone in the region!
