As Algeria ramps up efforts to digitize its economy, the new cable is expected to play a critical role in improving service delivery, boosting enterprise connectivity, and expanding access to global digital services.

Sparkle, an international connectivity service provider, and Algérie Télécom, Algeria’s national telecommunications operator, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a new subsea cable linking the two countries. The agreement was unveiled during the 6th Italy-Algeria Business Forum in Rome, on July 23, attended by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening digital ties between Europe and North Africa. We are proud to contribute to Algeria’s digital future by delivering modern infrastructure as well as innovative and secure solutions for fast and resilient international connectivity,” said Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle

The new submarine cable project aims to deliver a high-capacity, ultra-low latency route between Algeria and Italy, significantly enhancing performance, resilience, and bandwidth compared to existing infrastructure.

Beyond the physical cable, the MoU outlines a broad collaboration framework. Sparkle will offer value-added services including cybersecurity and cloud computing support, technical assistance for data center development, capacity-building initiatives, and a dedicated European Point of Presence for Algérie Télécom.

Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algérie Télécom, echoed the sentiment: “The strategic partnership with Sparkle confirms the long-standing relationship between our two companies and reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence. This project will play a key role in diversifying our international routes and in meeting the increasing needs of our customers across Algeria.”

This agreement also builds on Sparkle’s broader strategy to enhance Africa’s global connectivity. In June 2025, Sparkle joined PCCW Global, Telecom Egypt, and Zain Omantel International to develop the Asia-Africa-Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system—an ambitious corridor linking Hong Kong and Singapore to Italy via Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula. By complementing such large-scale transcontinental routes with high-capacity regional links like the new Italy–Algeria cable, Sparkle is helping bridge the infrastructure gap that has long constrained Africa’s full participation in the global digital economy.

Currently, Algeria is connected to four major subsea cables—SEA-ME-WE 4, Medex, ALPAL-2, and ORVAL/ALVAL. The country’s reliance on a few legacy cables and foreign transit points undermines its digital sovereignty. Expanding and diversifying its subsea infrastructure—especially through direct links to European landing points like Italy—is vital to reduce dependence on external gateways and assert greater control over its internet traffic and data flows.

The new infrastructure will not only enhance Algeria’s digital resilience and international reach but also further consolidate the Mediterranean’s role as a vital digital corridor between Africa and Europe.

Hikmatu Bilali