EllaLink has signed a contract with Mauritania’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization (MTNMA) to build a new international subsea connection linking the country directly to Madrid, Spain. The new route will diversify Mauritania’s connectivity, reduce dependency on existing systems, and provide cost-effective access to European internet exchanges.
The project includes a new Cable Landing Station in Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s second-largest city, and a 500 km branch integrated into EllaLink’s transatlantic system. Alcatel Submarine Networks will construct the subsea section, which will feature two fibre pairs and a ROADM WSS branching unit. EllaLink will oversee operations and maintenance of the system, expected to enter service in early 2027 with an initial 200Gbps circuit linking Nouadhibou to EllaLink’s Madrid PoP.
Backed by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission’s CEF Digital program, the infrastructure is designed to scale over the next 25 years. By providing direct, low-latency access to Europe, the cable is expected to reduce risks of disruption to Mauritania’s economy while enabling the country’s digital transformation.
- Direct subsea connection between Nouadhibou, Mauritania and Madrid, Spain
- Construction already underway, ready for service in 2027
- Two fibre pairs with ROADM WSS branching technology
- Initial 200Gbps capacity with growth potential over 25 years
- Built by Alcatel Submarine Networks, operated by EllaLink
- Supported by the European Investment Bank and EU CEF Digital program
Philippe Dumont, CEO of EllaLink, said: “We are proud to support Mauritania’s vision of advancing its digital economy. This cutting-edge connection will not only strengthen Mauritania’s international network but also offer direct, cost-effective access to key internet exchanges in Europe.”
🌐 Why it Matters: Subsea connectivity is central to economic resilience and digital development. By joining EllaLink’s transatlantic system, Mauritania reduces reliance on regional intermediaries and secures low-latency access to European hubs, positioning itself for stronger participation in global digital trade.
The EllaLink subsea cable system entered commercial service in June 2021, establishing the first direct, high-capacity link between Europe and Latin America. Prior to EllaLink, transatlantic traffic between these regions relied on indirect routes through the United States. The system was funded through private investment, with Marguerite II, a pan-European equity fund, as the lead shareholder. The total investment has been estimated at around €150 million, with strong backing from European institutions.
EllaLink spans more than 6,000 km across the Atlantic Ocean, directly connecting Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo in Brazil with Lisbon, Madrid, and Marseille in Europe. Its architecture comprises four fiber pairs initially designed for 100Tbps of capacity, built with state-of-the-art coherent optical transmission technologies. The network uses advanced open architecture with a carrier-neutral, open access model, enabling scalability and flexible service offerings for carriers, content providers, and cloud operators.
Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) served as the prime supplier for EllaLink, providing turnkey design, manufacture, and deployment of the subsea infrastructure. In addition to commercial use, EllaLink also supports scientific research through the BELLA (Building Europe Link to Latin America) program. This initiative, co-funded by the European Commission and Latin American partners, uses the system to provide dedicated capacity for research and education networks such as GÉANT in Europe and RedCLARA in Latin America, enabling data-intensive scientific collaboration across continents.
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