Raxio Group Secures $100 Million Investment from IFC to Expand Data Centres in Africa
Raxio Group, a leading sub-Saharan African data centre company, has recently announced a significant agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to secure $100 million in financing. This investment is aimed at accelerating Raxio’s expansion of data centres across Africa over the next three years.
The funding will support the implementation of advanced data centre technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital financial services, which are crucial for Africa’s economic growth. Raxio’s ultimate goal is to provide more Africans, especially those from underserved communities, with access to essential digital tools and services.
Raxio has already established regional data centre platforms in various African countries, including Tanzania, Angola, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique. The company recently launched a state-of-the-art 1.5MW data centre in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, offering 1,542m2 (16,598 ft2) of hosting space with a capacity for 400 racks. The new funding will enable Raxio to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure in underserved regions of Africa.
Within the next three years, Raxio plans to construct Tier III-certified carrier-neutral data centres in areas that have been historically overlooked for such investments. The company aims to prioritize locations with strong economic potential to stimulate local economies and create new opportunities across the continent.
This latest investment from IFC adds to the previous funding received by Raxio from entities such as Proparco, the Emerging Africa Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), Roha Group, and Meridiam. IFC’s funding includes support from special programs like the GROW facility, which promotes gender equality and inclusive economic growth through public-private partnerships. Additionally, IFC receives funding from the IDA Private Sector Window to encourage private investment in economically disadvantaged regions.
Raxio Group is committed to incorporating renewable energy sources into its data centres and implementing energy-efficient technologies to reduce water and electricity consumption. In Côte d’Ivoire, Raxio has established a digital hub that serves francophone West Africa, facilitating regional market connectivity and enhancing cross-border trade.
The digital transformation in Africa is already underway and is expected to accelerate in the coming years, opening up new opportunities for businesses and individuals across the continent.
(Image source: Raxio Group)