Recent developments reveal that the Republic of the Congo has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a state-of-the-art three-storey data centre in the Bacongo district, located in the capital city of Brazzaville. This facility is intended to serve as the national data centre, with the capacity to securely store and process the nation’s digital information, which is crucial for the advancement of the Central African country’s digital infrastructure.
The project’s scope includes the installation of a substantial 600-kilometre-long fibre optic network, which will significantly enhance connectivity. This network will extend along key routes, connecting the Republic of the Congo with neighboring countries Cameroon, covering a distance of 341 kilometres, and the Central African Republic, spanning 281 kilometres, by traversing the Congo River.
The financial blueprint for this technological venture is robust, with a total investment of $72.8 million, equivalent to €66.97 million. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a major contributor, providing $57 million (€52.47 million) towards the project. The Congolese government is also playing a significant role by allocating $15.8 million (€14.50 million) of its own funds.
A dedicated portion of the budget, amounting to $14.6 million (€13.8 million), has been earmarked specifically for the construction and operational setup of the data centre. This facility is not just a hub for data storage; it will also feature specialized server rooms designed to handle the nation’s digital assets. To ensure the centre operates at peak efficiency, there will be dedicated monitoring and supervision rooms, as well as conference rooms for administrative and collaborative purposes.
Moreover, the building will accommodate the necessary energy and air-conditioning systems to maintain an optimal environment for the high-tech equipment. The completion and operational launch of this modern data centre are anticipated by December 2024, marking a significant milestone in the Republic of the Congo’s journey towards digital transformation.
Michael Ngakala, the coordinator of the Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone Project, has highlighted a significant development for the Republic of the Congo, indicating that it is on the verge of becoming the sole nation in Central Africa to host its own data centre.
Ngakala emphasized the transformative impact this development will have on the country’s digital communications. He explained that with the establishment of the national data centre, videoconferences and other digital interactions that currently rely on servers located in Europe, America, or other regions will be handled domestically. This change will ensure that digital exchanges occur within the country, enhancing efficiency and reducing latency.
The coordinator also pointed out a current limitation in the country’s digital infrastructure. At present, the data generated within the Republic of the Congo is stored on foreign servers, which is reflected in the use of domain names ending in “.fr” (France) or “.com” (commercially oriented, typically US-based) for Congolese websites. This practice contrasts with the country’s own domain, which ends in “.cg”.
The shift towards storing and managing data locally within the Republic of the Congo will allow for the greater use of the “.cg” domain, signifying a move towards digital sovereignty and independence. This development is expected to bolster the nation’s control over its digital assets and enhance its presence in the global digital landscape.
As the Republic of the Congo progresses with the establishment of its new data centre, a pivotal shift is anticipated in the way the country handles its digital information. The national data centre is poised to become the primary repository for all public data, providing a centralized and secure location for the storage and processing of governmental digital assets.
In addition to serving public sector needs, the data centre will also offer services to various private entities. Telecom operators, banks, insurance companies, and other private firms will have the opportunity to host and back up their primary storage sites at the national centre. This capability will not only provide these businesses with a reliable and local option for data management but also potentially reduce their reliance on international data hosting services.
The introduction of this facility is being celebrated as a major step forward for the digital economy of the Republic of the Congo. It represents an investment in the country’s technological infrastructure that is expected to yield dividends in terms of economic growth and innovation. Furthermore, by centralizing data within its borders, the country stands to enhance its digital security. Having control over its own data will allow the Republic of the Congo to better protect sensitive information and reduce vulnerabilities associated with foreign data storage, thereby reinforcing its sovereignty in the digital domain.
