Last week, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched OADC Texaf Digital — its first Tier-III, open-access, carrier-neutral data center in the country's capital, Kinshasa.
This project, in collaboration with Open Access Data Centers (OADC) and the TEXAF group, represents a huge leap forward for the country's digital sovereignty.
“We already have over 12 leading national and international carriers connected with the banking sector being the leading adopter of OADC Texaf solutions. The open-access, carrier-neutral facility is set to transform the country’s digital infrastructure by creating a comprehensive, vibrant interconnection and peering ecosystem involving multiple carriers, ISPs, content providers and Internet Exchanges,” Mohammed Bouhelal, Managing Director of OADC Texaf, was quoted as saying in a press release.
Why is This Important?
With unparalleled data storage capacity in Central Africa, this state-of-the-art infrastructure aims to reduce dependency on foreign data centers by ensuring a secure environment for the storage and management of sensitive information.
Designed for telecom operators, public administrations, and large enterprises, the new data center offers top-notch secure data storage and management services. It's an essential part of the DR Congo's wider strategy for digital modernization, which aims to boost technological independence and foster local economic growth.
Strategic benefits:
1.
Data security: Ensures data protection for both local and international companies;2.
Investment magnet: Attracts foreign investment by providing a reliable, high-caliber data storage solution in Africa;3.
Economic growth: Stimulates local economic development through technological advancements.Interestingly, the 2MW-capable data center is powered by electricity sourced from hydro generation, guaranteeing eco-friendly energy production along with low power usage effectiveness.
Digital technologies are actively developing in African countries. For example, in May, Ghana's Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia said that his country is going to become Africa's first blockchain-based government to fight corruption, as blockchain technology can monitor and detect changes in digital data to monitor governmental transactions.