The Republic of Congo is taking a major leap forward in its digital infrastructure by constructing Central Africa’s first ever fiber optic data center. This project signifies a significant investment in the country’s technological advancement and economic growth.
A Center for National Data Storage and Processing
Located in the Bacongo district of Brazzaville, the three-story facility will serve as the national data center. Here, the digital information of the Central African nation will be securely stored and processed. This will be a crucial step in establishing a strong foundation for Congo’s digital transformation.
Improved Connectivity with Neighboring Countries
The project goes beyond the data center itself. A 600-kilometer fiber optic cable network will be built alongside the data center. This network will connect Congo to its neighbors, Cameroon (341 km) and the Central African Republic (281 km), via the Congo River. This improved connectivity will enhance communication and data exchange within the region.
Funding and Completion Timeline
The total project cost is estimated at $72.8 million (€66.97 million). The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a major contributor, providing $57 million (€52.47 million). The Congolese government is also significantly invested, contributing $15.8 million (€14.50 million).
Construction is well underway, with a dedicated budget of $14.6 million (€13.8 million) allocated for the data center’s construction and operation. The entire project, including the data center and fiber optic network, is expected to be completed by December 2024.
Stepping into Digital Sovereignty
This initiative positions the Republic of Congo as a pioneer in digital infrastructure within Central Africa. Michael Ngakala, coordinator of the Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone Project, highlights the significance of this project. “We will finally be able to host video conferences and store our data locally, eliminating reliance on servers in Europe or elsewhere,” he states.
Previously, Congolese data was often stored outside the country, leading to the use of domain name extensions like “.fr” or “.com” instead of the nation’s “.cg” designation. The new data center will allow Congo to take control of its digital assets and host all public data domestically. Additionally, it will offer data storage and backup solutions for businesses, fostering the growth of the digital economy.
“We will finally be able to host video conferences and store our data locally, eliminating reliance on servers in Europe or elsewhere,”
Michael Ngakara
A Boon for the Digital Economy and Security
The construction of this data center is a strategic move for the Republic of Congo. It is anticipated to significantly contribute to the advancement of the country’s digital economy by providing a robust infrastructure for data storage and processing. Moreover, this initiative strengthens Congo’s digital security by granting them greater control over their data. This can lead to improved privacy and protection against cyber threats.
