In a transformative leap toward digital progress, EllaLink — the company behind the high-capacity transatlantic optic-fibre system — has unveiled a major infrastructure initiative that will directly connect Mauritania to Europe via a new subsea cable system by early 2027.
Strengthening Mauritania’s Global Connectivity
This ambitious project results from a strategic partnership between EllaLink and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization (MTNMA). The initiative aims to establish a new international digital corridor that directly links Mauritania’s coastal city of Nouadhibou to Madrid, Spain.
The goal is clear: provide Mauritania with a resilient and cost-effective gateway to Europe’s core internet exchanges. Once completed, this infrastructure will position the country as a more connected digital hub within West Africa, laying the foundation for economic growth and improved technological integration.
What the Project Entails
The centerpiece of this endeavor is the construction of a dedicated Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s second largest city and a vital economic center. From there, a new subsea branch of over 500 kilometers will connect to the existing EllaLink cable, which already stretches between Europe and Latin America.
The undersea portion of this new extension will be developed by Alcatel Submarine Networks, a global leader in the field. It will feature two high-capacity fibre pairs integrated with next-generation optical technologies, including a Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) with a Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) branching unit — tools that will allow for more flexible and efficient bandwidth management.
EllaLink will not only oversee the deployment but will also be responsible for long-term operation and maintenance, ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the connection for decades to come.
Service Timeline and Performance Targets
Construction of the project has already begun. The infrastructure is expected to be operational in early 2027, marking a pivotal moment for Mauritania’s digital landscape. Upon launch, the cable will deliver an initial capacity of 200Gbps in low-latency direct connectivity from Nouadhibou to EllaLink’s Point of Presence (PoP) in Madrid.
This means Mauritanian national operators and internet providers will benefit from faster, more stable international connections — a critical upgrade for sectors like banking, education, healthcare, logistics, and government services.
A Long-Term Vision for Digital Growth
Beyond the immediate technical benefits, the new subsea route serves a broader strategic goal: reducing the risk of national internet disruptions. With the addition of this alternative path, Mauritania will be less reliant on existing infrastructure, enhancing resilience in times of crisis or technical failure.
Furthermore, the project is designed to be future-proof. With scalability at its core, the infrastructure can expand its capacity well into the next 25 years, ensuring that Mauritania keeps pace with the global demand for data and connectivity.
Support from Europe and Strategic Importance
The project enjoys strong institutional backing, most notably from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital program of the European Commission. Their support highlights the geopolitical and economic importance of bridging digital divides across continents.
This investment in infrastructure also fits within the broader goals of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes secure, sustainable, and high-quality digital networks across Africa and beyond.
Driving a New Era of Connectivity in West Africa
With this new venture, EllaLink solidifies its role as a key enabler of transcontinental digital transformation. After establishing successful routes between Europe and Latin America, the company now focuses on expanding its footprint into West Africa, reinforcing the importance of regional integration through robust digital highways.
Philippe Dumont, CEO of EllaLink, voiced his optimism, calling the project a “milestone in the mission to extend secure and fast connectivity to underserved regions.” He emphasized that this initiative is not merely technical but transformative, bridging physical distance and fostering international collaboration.
Digital Sovereignty and Economic Empowerment
For Mauritania, this project represents more than just cables beneath the sea. It is a catalyst for digital sovereignty — empowering local institutions, startups, and innovators with access to world-class connectivity. Reliable internet infrastructure is a key enabler of modern governance, education, and commerce, and this investment marks a pivotal step toward national modernization.
As Mauritania strives to build a more inclusive and tech-forward society, this project could significantly boost competitiveness in the digital economy and attract foreign investment in ICT and data-driven sectors.
Conclusion: A Foundation for the Future
The upcoming EllaLink subsea cable linking Nouadhibou to Madrid represents a visionary leap in Mauritania’s digital development. It not only promises to enhance international connectivity but also provides the technological backbone needed for long-term economic transformation.
Supported by European partners and driven by forward-thinking collaboration, this infrastructure initiative redefines what’s possible for Mauritania and the broader West African region. As global demand for data continues to rise, projects like this ensure that Africa is not left behind — but rather, fully equipped to lead in the digital era.
for more news please visit our website africatrademonitor.com
