CANARY ISLANDS–MOROCCO UNDERSEA CABLE TO FORGE NEW €49M DIGITAL CORRIDOR BY 2028

€49M undersea cable to link Canary Islands and Morocco by 2028, creating a faster, more secure digital bridge between Europe and Africa.

Africa Morocco Fiber optic cable Connectivity Cross-continental data flow Internent infrastructure.
Undersea Fiber optic cable
Undersea Fiber optic cable



A landmark €49 million undersea fiber optic cable will soon connect the Canary Islands directly to Morocco, creating a powerful new digital corridor between Europe and Africa. Installation is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with the link expected to go live by 2028, thereby reshaping the region’s internet infrastructure and enhancing cross-continental data flow.

The 42-month project will see the cable run from Arinaga Port in Gran Canaria, through Gran Tarajal in Fuerteventura, before making landfall on the Moroccan coast, likely at Taefaya or Boujdour. The route will bypass existing connections, offering faster speeds, greater reliability, and increased network resilience.

Led by Spanish telecom operator Islalink, in partnership with Canalink, part of the Tenerife Island Council, and the Institute of Technology and Renewable Energies (ITER), the initiative is being backed by a €20 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and €7.5 million for technical studies.

As part of the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility Digital (CEF-Digital) program, the cable will enhance cybersecurity, support data centers, and lay the groundwork for advanced technology hubs in the Canary Islands.

Officials say the project will position the Canary Islands as a strategic gateway, deepening digital ties with Morocco while reinforcing Europe’s standing in global communications.

Comments

You must be logged in to comment.