Congo edging closer to finalizing national data center, targeting November 2025 for introduction
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation journey, marked by the launch of its first national digital infrastructure. At the heart of this initiative lies a national data center and a blockchain-based national digital ID system.
The DRC's Digital Infrastructure Developments
The DRC has partnered with Singapore-based Trident Digital Tech to launch DRCPass, a secure, single digital identity accessible across multiple government services. This initiative is a cornerstone of the country’s digital sovereignty and a model for African digital governance.
Meanwhile, the construction and launch of the DRC’s first data center, named Raxio DRC1, located in the capital Kinshasa, is a $30 million investment aimed at driving digital inclusion and expanding digital services in the country.
The Purpose of the New Infrastructure
The primary objective of these developments is to advance digital sovereignty, improve public service delivery, combat mobile fraud, support financial inclusion, and stimulate digital economy growth and innovation.
Impact and Significance
The DRC’s digital infrastructure is expected to strengthen its digital sovereignty, promote economic benefits, foster regional leadership, and align with broader African and global trends recognizing the necessity of robust local data centers.
The Data Center's Inauguration
The data center, a three-story facility, is more than 90% complete and is set to be unveiled by November 28, coinciding with President Denis Sassou N'Guesso's State of the Nation address. The data center, once operational, will eliminate the need for foreign server reliance.
The data center's inauguration is a priority for the DRC government and represents a strategic move toward technological sovereignty, serving as a key pillar of the Central African digital ecosystem. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has partnered to launch a state-of-the-art data center in Brazzaville's second arrondissement.
Looking Ahead
Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, León Juste Ibombo, has stated that the data center will play a catalytic role in shaping Congo's digital economy. The data center is expected to support startups, attract investment, and create skilled tech jobs.
In summary, the DRC’s first national data center and blockchain-based digital identity system are integral pillars of its digital transformation and sovereignty strategy, designed to modernize governance, secure data, foster financial inclusion, and drive technological innovation. The data center will also support the Central African Backbone project, offering capacity and interconnection options for neighboring countries.
- The DRC's new data center, Raxio DRC1, is anticipated to stimulate technological innovation, particularly among startups, by providing a supportive environment for growth and job creation.
- The launch of DRCPass, a secure digital identity system, marks a significant step towards digital sovereignty for the DRC, aligning with trends that recognize the importance of robust local data centers.
- As part of the DRC's digital transformation journey, the construction and operation of modern data centers are crucial for improving public service delivery, combating fraud, and supporting financial inclusion through technology.
