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Mauritania Air-blown Optical Cable Project

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 21 Sep 2023

Prepared for preliminary research by the ROGER FIBRE knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

Mauritania is constructing a new high-capacity subsea optical cable branch connecting Nouadhibou to Madrid, Spain, using advanced air-blown fiber technologies and ROADM WSS optical systems. Project OverviewMauritania's Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization (MTNMA) has partnered with EllaLink to build a second international subsea fiber optic connection, diversifying the country's connectivity beyond the existing ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) system. The project includes a 500 km subsea branch from a new Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Nouadhibou, Mauritania's second-largest city, linking directly to EllaLink's transatlantic infrastructure and ultimately to Madrid, Spain.

Technical Specifications

Subsea Section: Constructed by Alcatel Submarine Networks, featuring two fiber pairs. Optical Technologies: Incorporates ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) and WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch) branching units, enabling dynamic wavelength routing, flexible bandwidth management, and efficient network scalability.

Air-

Blown Fiber Potential: While the project primarily uses subsea fiber, air-blown optical cable technology can be integrated in terrestrial segments to allow rapid deployment, modular expansion, and easier maintenance of fiber strands within ducts. This approach supports future capacity growth without extensive civil works.

Capacity and Performance

The new infrastructure will provide an initial 200 Gbps low-latency direct circuit between Nouadhibou and Madrid, with capacity designed to scale over the next 25 years. This direct link reduces dependency on regional intermediaries, enhances network resilience, and supports Mauritania's digital transformation strategy.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Digital Transformation: Strengthens Mauritania's access to European internet exchanges, enabling faster, cost-effective international connectivity. Economic Resilience: Reduces the risk of disruption to the national economy by providing a diverse, redundant international link.

Long-

Term Growth: Positions Mauritania as a more connected digital hub in West Africa, supporting e-government, fintech, and other digital services.

Project Timeline and Funding

Construction Start: Already underway, with completion expected early 2027. Funding: Total project cost is €29. 5 million, supported by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission's CEF Digital program, which contributed €9.

6 million. Operation & Maintenance: Managed by EllaLink, ensuring long-term sustainability and carrier-neutral access.

Conclusion

The Mauritania air-blown optical cable construction, as part of the EllaLink subsea project, represents a major leap in international connectivity, combining advanced optical technologies with strategic infrastructure planning. It will provide high-capacity, low-latency, and resilient connectivity to Europe, supporting the country's digital economy and long-term technological development.

Mauritania Air-blown Optical Cable Project - ROGER FIBRE ATELIER [PDF]

Mauritania Air-blown Optical Cable Project

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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