Raxio Group is taking a significant step to help reduce the digital gap in Africa. They secured $100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand their network of advanced data centers in underserved parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

These data centers stand out since they are “carrier-neutral” and “Tier III-certified,” meaning that they can interface with any telecommunication company and offer high reliability. Raxio plans to develop more such centers in the next three years, enhancing internet and digital services in regions traditionally overlooked by conventional investments.

This funding is supported partly by initiatives like the GROW facility and the IDA Private Sector Window. The goal is to invest in markets with the potential for economic growth but currently low digital access.

By focusing on countries such as Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Raxio is not only establishing physical facilities but also contributing to local economic development, job creation, and supporting trade within the region.

For instance, Raxio has built a data center in Kinshasa that uses 1.5 megawatts of power and hosts 400 equipment racks across more than 1,500 square meters. This center helps support cloud computing, AI technologies, and digital financial services, which are vital for economic advancement in Africa.

Apart from building data centers, Raxio embeds renewable power and water-conserving technologies, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and resolution of resource usage challenges in the area. Côte d’Ivoire’s digital hub is already significantly contributing to connecting French-speaking West Africa to the rest of the digital world and assisting local companies.

Previously, support from entities like Proparco and the Emerging Africa Asia Infrastructure Fund set the stage for this expansion. With the IFC’s backing, Raxio is not just expanding its operations but also enhancing digital access, giving more people in remote and underdeveloped areas an opportunity to engage in the digital world.