Key manufacturers involved in Mauritania's fiber optic infrastructure include ZTE Corporation for the national network and Alcatel Submarine Networks for the international subsea cable project with EllaLink.

National Fiber Optic Network

Mauritania's national fiber optic network, spanning approximately 1,760 km, was completed by ZTE Corporation. This high-speed telecom backbone includes urban loops and international interconnections, with Nouakchott serving as the landing point for the ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) submarine cable system. The project, initiated in 2018, was part of a regional communications infrastructure program funded by the World Bank to expand broadband coverage and reduce communication costs across Mauritania and neighboring countries .

International Subsea Cable – EllaLink

Mauritania is establishing a second international subsea fiber optic connection through the EllaLink cable system, which will directly link Nouadhibou to Madrid, Spain. The subsea section of this project is being constructed by Alcatel Submarine Networks, featuring two fiber pairs and advanced optical technologies, including a ROADM WSS branching unit. EllaLink will operate and maintain the infrastructure, providing Mauritanian operators with a 200 Gbps low-latency direct connection to Europe. The project is expected to be operational by early 2027 and is co-financed by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission's CEF Digital program .

Key Project Details

• Cable Landing Station: Nouadhibou, Mauritania
• Subsea Branch Length: ~500 km
• Fiber Pairs: 2
• Technology: ROADM WSS branching unit, state-of-the-art optical systems
• Operators: EllaLink (operation & maintenance), Alcatel Submarine Networks (construction)
• Expected Service Start: Early 2027
• Funding: €29.5 million total, supported by EIB and EU CEF Digital program

Summary

For inquiries regarding fiber optic cable laying in Mauritania, the primary manufacturers and contractors are:

• ZTE Corporation – responsible for the national fiber optic network and urban backbone
• Alcatel Submarine Networks – responsible for the subsea section of the EllaLink international cable These companies represent the main points of contact for procurement, technical collaboration, or partnership opportunities in Mauritania's fiber optic infrastructure projects.