Sylvia Duruson
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered a new era of digital infrastructure with the launch of its first Tier-III certified, open-access, carrier-neutral data center. This groundbreaking facility, named ‘OADC Texaf Digital’, is the result of a joint venture between Open Access Data Centres (OADC) and TEXAF.
OADC Texaf Digital aims to establish a dynamic digital ecosystem in the DRC. It will support Internet Exchanges, content providers, cloud operators, carriers, telcos, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These entities will be able to offer a wide array of digital products and services to both business and domestic customers throughout the country.
The newly operational 2MW-capable facility boasts several firsts for the DRC. It is the country’s first live open-access, carrier-neutral data center with Uptime Institute Tier-III certification. The centre is on track to achieve ISO27001 certification by Q3 2024. Major fibre network providers are already present, offering robust interconnect options to tenants.
OADC Texaf Digital provides integrated core digital infrastructure solutions. These include tailored colocation services and a variety of reliable connectivity and peering options. The facility’s power is sourced from hydro generation, ensuring environmentally sustainable operations with low Power Utilization Effectiveness (PUE).
Kinshasa, with its population exceeding 16 million, stands at the epicenter of digital connectivity demand in the DRC and the surrounding region. The data center is strategically located within TEXAF’s SILIKIN VILLAGE digital hub. It is operated by OADC, an award-winning WIOCC Group company recognized as Africa’s fastest-growing data center company.
The facility features 1,500 square metres of IT white space, accommodating over 550 racks. It offers colocation, interconnect, and peering services to support various clients. These include enterprise clients, content distribution networks, and local and international cloud providers. The center’s infrastructure is designed to improve efficiency, accelerate digitization initiatives, and enhance service delivery to businesses and customers.
Mohammed Bouhelal, Managing Director of OADC Texaf DRC, emphasized the data center’s role in boosting various sectors of the DRC’s economy. He highlighted its potential to create rich digital ecosystems and provide content distribution networks and cloud content providers with a quality peering location in the country.
The facility has already attracted over 12 leading national and international carriers. The banking sector has emerged as the leading adopter of OADC Texaf Digital’s solutions. Bouhelal noted that the open-access, carrier-neutral facility is set to transform the country’s digital infrastructure by fostering a comprehensive interconnection and peering ecosystem.
OADC Texaf Digital adheres to carrier-neutral principles, maximizing interconnection opportunities for all clients. This approach is expected to increase competition and improve operator cost-efficiencies. Consequently, it may contribute to reducing internet connectivity costs for Congolese individuals and businesses, acting as a significant enabler for the expansion of the DRC’s digital ecosystem.
The launch of this state-of-the-art data center marks a significant milestone in the DRC’s digital journey. It promises to accelerate the country’s digitalization efforts, enhance ICT capabilities, and provide a robust foundation for future technological advancements. As the DRC continues to develop its digital infrastructure, OADC Texaf Digital stands poised to play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.
