Raxio and Laser Light Partner to Enhance Internet Services in Africa

What's Happening?

Raxio Group, an African data center operator, has partnered with Laser Light Africa, a digital network operator, to improve internet services across seven sub-Saharan African markets, starting with Angola. The collaboration will integrate Raxio's Tier III carrier-neutral data centers with Laser Light's optical mesh network, which includes terrestrial fiber, subsea cables, and medium-earth-orbit satellite connectivity. This initiative aims to localize data, reduce internet costs, and improve latency, thereby enhancing real-time services such as cloud computing and telemedicine. The first phase of the rollout will commence in Angola, leveraging Raxio's new data center in Luanda.

Why It's Important?

This partnership is significant as it addresses the digital infrastructure gap in sub-Saharan Africa, potentially transforming internet accessibility and affordability in the region. By localizing data and reducing reliance on international bandwidth, the initiative could lower internet costs by up to 90% and improve service reliability. This development is expected to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and create job opportunities in the technology sector. It also aligns with broader efforts to enhance digital connectivity and support technological innovation across Africa.

What's Next?

The rollout will begin in Angola next year, with plans to expand to other markets including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda. Raxio and Laser Light will also focus on developing edge data center strategies to support emerging technologies like IoT and AI. The partnership is expected to create new jobs in construction, operations, and network management, alongside training programs to build local expertise in data center operations.

Beyond the Headlines

The initiative highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure in driving economic development and social inclusion in Africa. It underscores the need for strategic partnerships to overcome infrastructure challenges and leverage technology for sustainable growth. The focus on data sovereignty and compliance with local regulations also reflects the increasing emphasis on data privacy and security in the digital age.