Comoros has received a $10.5 million loan from the AfDB to establish and operate a new data center and improve existing facilities, as part of a broader initiative to digitize the economy. The total project costs nearly $24.9 million, and it aims to enhance public services and governance through digital innovation. The project also stresses data protection, proposing the establishment of a National Authority for Data Protection.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $10.5 million loan to Comoros for establishing a new data center and improving an existing one, along with creating an incubator. This investment will foster digital innovation and entrepreneurship in the East African nation. The total project cost amounts to $24.9 million, funded by the AfDB’s concessional loan agency and its Transition Support Facility.
This project is part of an initiative to digitize the Comorian economy, aiming to enhance governance and improve public service delivery. The AfDB will appoint a private operator to manage the new data centers, handling marketing, maintenance, and growth.
Moreover, the initiative encompasses the development of a digital administration platform, e-services, a digital public payment system, and a data-sharing platform. The project emphasizes data management and protection, offering funding to establish a National Authority for Personal Data Protection and Access to Information.
Completion of the project is expected to provide a comprehensive suite of digital services for the Comorian populace. As of January 2024, Internet penetration in Comoros reached 27.3%, marking a 1.8% rise from the previous year.
Regionally, the East African data center market is projected to generate $1.09 billion by 2024, with Network Infrastructure leading at $0.48 billion. In Kenya, IXAfrica Data Centres and Schneider Electric launched a hyper-scale data center in July 2024, noted as the largest in East Africa. Kenya also secured investments of up to $1 billion from Microsoft and G42 for advanced data centers powered by renewable resources. Ethiopia is negotiating with a Chinese firm for a hyper-scale data facility.
The AfDB’s investment in Comoros aims to significantly enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure, addressing key governance and public service challenges. By establishing new digital resources and emphasizing data protection, the project will support the growth of the digital economy in Comoros. This initiative aligns with broader regional trends in East Africa, where increasing investments in data centers are projected to boost economic growth and enhance technological capabilities.
Original Source: techpoint.africa
