The African Development Bank has granted a €9.51 million loan to Comoros for a new data centre and digital innovation efforts. Total project costs are €22.53 million, with contributions from multiple AfDB funds. The initiative aims to improve governance, public services, and data protection in the country. As Internet penetration increases, this project is expected to enhance digital access for Comorians.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a loan of €9.51 million (approximately $10.5 million) to the nation of Comoros for the construction and operation of a new data centre, secondary data centre, and an incubator. This investment, part of a total project budget of €22.53 million ($24.9 million), seeks to enhance digital innovation and entrepreneurship within the country.
The African Development Fund allocated €4.02 million ($4.4 million) while the Transition Support Facility contributed €5.49 million ($6 million). The initiative is part of a larger effort to digitize the Comorian economy, aiming to improve governance and public services for citizens.
A private operator will be engaged for managing the centres, covering aspects such as operation, marketing, maintenance, and future expansion. The project also entails developing an administration platform, e-services, a digital payment system, and platforms for interoperability and data sharing.
The AfDB has indicated that funds will be allocated to establish a National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data and Access to Information, emphasizing the importance of data management and protection.
The completion of the project is anticipated to provide a comprehensive array of digital services, enhancing access to digitisation for the Comorian populace. Currently, Internet penetration in Comoros is at 27.3%, an increase of 1.8% from the previous year.
In comparison, the data centre market in East Africa is projected to generate revenue of $1.09 billion by 2024, with Kenya taking significant strides in the sector through various collaborations to establish advanced data centre facilities.
The recent funding from the AfDB marks a significant step towards enhancing digital infrastructure in Comoros. This project will not only support economic growth through digitisation but also improve public services and governance. As Internet penetration rises, Comoros is poised to utilize this investment for broader digital accessibility, reflecting a growing trend in East Africa’s data centre market.
Original Source: techpoint.africa
