Sub-Saharan African data centre platform Raxio Group has signed an agreement for $100-million in financing from World Bank Group member the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The funding will accelerate Raxio’s expansion of facilities powering technologies such as AI, cloud computing and digital financial services.

The debt funding from IFC will assist Raxio to double its deployment of colocation data centres within three years.

The company is developing a sub-Saharan African regional data centre platform in countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Angola.

Raxio says it aims to introduce Tier 3-certified, carrier-neutral and secure data services to underserved markets.

“Raxio’s business model shows how digital infrastructure can empower businesses, governments and communities to thrive in the digital economy.

“This partnership between Raxio and IFC is set to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem and catalyse further investments and regional integration, building a more inclusive and sustainable future,” says IFC infrastructure and natural resources in Africa regional industry director Sarvesh Suri.

The IFC’s commitment builds on earlier debt funding from Proparco and the Emerging Africa Asia Infrastructure Fund, and equity investments from Roha Group and Meridiam.

The IFC’s financing includes concessional funding from the GROW Facility, which seeks to advance gender equity and inclusive economic growth through blended finance, and the IDA Private Sector Window, which supports private investment in fragile markets.

“This funding from the IFC is a powerful endorsement of Raxio’s vision and operational excellence. It will allow us to bring critical infrastructure to the regions that need it most and attract further investment as we continue to grow.

“Together with our other partners, we’re building the foundation for Africa’s digital future and setting new benchmarks for sustainability,” Raxio Group CEO Robert Skjødt posits.

Raxio’s facilities are designed for 24/7 reliability. The company integrates renewable-energy solutions to minimise its environmental footprint and uses energy-efficient equipment to reduce electricity and water consumption for cooling in several of its countries of operation, it points out.

In the DRC, Raxio’s Kinshasa facility is poised to meet growing demand for data, the company says. In Côte d’Ivoire, Raxio is establishing a digital hub to serve Francophone West Africa.