The Guinea GTYA fiber optic cable is a second submarine cable project aimed at expanding Guinea's internet capacity and strengthening digital infrastructure through the Medusa subsea system.

Overview

Guinea has signed a contract for the construction and maintenance of a second submarine fiber-optic cable, marking a major step in its digital transformation agenda . This new cable comes 13 years after the country's first submarine link, which is now nearing saturation due to rising internet adoption and data consumption . The project is designed to significantly enhance national connectivity, improve network resilience, and support broader economic growth .

Medusa Subsea Cable System

The new cable is part of the Medusa subsea cable system, which originally connected Mediterranean countries but has been extended to Africa to improve digital access across 22 countries . Guinea's landing party for the cable is GUILAB SA, ensuring local management and maintenance . The Medusa system has a total design capacity of 480 Tb/s, with 24 fiber pairs at roughly 20 Tb/s each, providing high-capacity, reliable international connectivity .

Strategic Importance

The second cable addresses several critical needs:

• Capacity Expansion: Guinea's first submarine cable is approaching its limit, and the new cable will help meet growing demand for high-speed internet .
• Network Resilience: By diversifying international routes, the cable reduces the risk of outages and strengthens the reliability of Guinea's internet infrastructure .
• Economic and Digital Growth: Enhanced connectivity supports businesses, digital services, and the broader economy, aligning with Guinea's digital economy strategy .

Deployment Timeline

Deployment of the Medusa system began in October 2025, with segments already completed in Europe and North Africa. The African extension, including Guinea, is scheduled for completion in 2026, with the cable expected to enter service shortly thereafter . This will provide Guinea with a second international internet link, complementing the existing Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) cable and regional initiatives like the Amílcar Cabral submarine cable project .

Government Initiatives

The Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy, and Innovation is tasked with tripling Guinea's current internet access capacity, ensuring the network is economically sustainable, and delivering tangible benefits to citizens . The government emphasizes scaling fiber-optic infrastructure while optimizing network performance to support long-term digital transformation goals . In summary, the Guinea GTYA fiber optic cable represents a strategic investment in high-capacity, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure, positioning Guinea for enhanced connectivity and economic development in the coming years.