LIVE UPDATES
The Republic of Congo has embarked on an ambitious project to construct the first national data centre in Central Africa.
Located in the Bacongo district of Brazzaville, the three-storey facility will house the country's digital data and serve as a major hub for storing and processing information.
Michael Ngakala, the coordinator of the Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone Project, highlighted the significance of this project, stating, "Congo will soon be the only country in Central Africa to have its own data centre. Ultimately, the videoconferences we run here will no longer go through a server in Europe, America or elsewhere before coming back to us. Everything will happen right here."
The project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Congolese government, has a total budget of $72.8 million (€66.97 million).
The AfDB is contributing $57 million (€52.47 million), while the government is providing $15.8 million (€14.50 million). Of this total, $14.6 million (€13.8 million) is allocated for the construction and operation of the data centre itself.
The data centre will feature state-of-the-art server rooms, monitoring and supervision rooms, and conference rooms.
It will also be equipped with advanced energy and air-conditioning systems to ensure optimal performance. The project includes the installation of a 600-kilometre fibre optic cable network connecting major routes with Cameroon and the Central African Republic.
Currently, Congo's data is stored abroad, explaining the prevalence of ".fr" or ".com" domain names for Congolese websites. The new data centre will allow the country to host all public data domestically, providing a significant boost to its digital sovereignty.
Additionally, telecom operators, banks, insurance companies, and other private entities will be able to store and back up their data at the national centre, enhancing data security and accessibility.
This landmark project is expected to transform Congo's digital landscape, bolstering its digital economy and strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure.
By gaining control over its data, the country can foster innovation, attract investment, and ensure the privacy and protection of its citizens' information.
The national data centre is slated for completion by December 2024, marking a new era for the Republic of Congo in the digital age.
