Keypoints:
- Raxio receives $100m from IFC for expansion
- New data centres planned in 6 African nations
- Boosts AI, cloud and digital financial services
AFRICA’S digital infrastructure is set for a major upgrade as Raxio Group, a leading sub-Saharan African data centre platform, has secured $100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group. The funding will accelerate the rollout of advanced data facilities to support technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital financial services—key drivers of the continent’s economic growth and inclusion.
The IFC funding will help Raxio double its deployment of Tier III-certified, carrier-neutral colocation data centres over the next three years. The expansion targets underserved but high-growth markets across countries such as Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, and Angola.
‘Raxio’s business model shows how digital infrastructure can empower businesses, governments and communities to thrive in the digital economy,’ said Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa. He told the IFC that the partnership will catalyse broader investments and build a more inclusive digital ecosystem across the region.
Closing the infrastructure gap
Raxio’s mission is to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable and secure data infrastructure in African markets that have often been overlooked. The company’s centres offer 24/7 uptime and integrate renewable energy and energy-efficient technology to reduce environmental impact.
In the DRC, for example, the new Kinshasa facility is positioned to serve one of the continent’s fastest-growing urban populations. Meanwhile, in Côte d’Ivoire, Raxio is developing a regional digital hub to serve Francophone West Africa—facilitating cross-border digital trade and connectivity.
‘This funding from IFC is a powerful endorsement of Raxio’s vision and operational excellence,’ said Robert Skjødt, CEO of Raxio Group. ‘It enables us to bring vital infrastructure to regions that need it most and attract additional investors as we grow. We’re laying the digital foundation for Africa’s future.’
Investment backed by global development partners
The $100 million package follows earlier investments from global partners including Proparco, the Emerging Africa Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), and equity investments from Roha Group and Meridiam. The current funding includes concessional finance from the GROW Facility—which promotes gender equity and inclusive economic growth—and the IDA Private Sector Window, aimed at stimulating investment in the world’s poorest and most fragile markets.
The IFC’s involvement is expected to accelerate not only Raxio’s growth, but also the expansion of the broader African digital economy. With demand for cloud computing, e-commerce, fintech and AI solutions soaring across the continent, the need for localised data infrastructure has become urgent.
Raxio’s model addresses that need by building scalable, secure, and environmentally responsible facilities that enable African businesses to compete on a global stage. By creating new digital hubs, the company is helping unlock new opportunities in job creation, innovation and regional integration.
A new chapter for Africa’s digital transformation
Founded in 2018 by the Roha Group, Raxio has quickly emerged as a leader in Africa’s data infrastructure space. Its facilities are already operational in Uganda and under development in several other markets. The IFC partnership represents a strong vote of confidence in the company’s vision and is expected to further anchor its leadership in the region.
As Africa pushes toward a more connected, inclusive and innovation-driven future, Raxio’s expansion could play a critical role in delivering the infrastructure needed to sustain that progress.
