The drive for African internet expansion is accelerating as Raxio Group, a leading data centre operator, partners with digital network provider Laser Light Africa to enhance internet services in seven sub-Saharan markets. The initiative starts with Angola and expands to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda.
By combining Raxio’s Tier III carrier-neutral data centres with Laser Light’s optical mesh network—including terrestrial fibre, subsea cables, modular data systems, and medium-earth-orbit (MEO) satellite connectivity—the partnership aims to host and route data closer to users, reducing latency and improving reliability for consumers and businesses alike.
Cutting Latency and Costs Through Localized Infrastructure
One of the central goals of this partnership is to localize data on the African continent, significantly reducing the cost of internet access. By lowering reliance on international bandwidth, Raxio expects to cut wholesale bandwidth costs by up to 90%, while latency drops from hundreds of milliseconds to just a few milliseconds.
This improvement enables real-time services such as cloud computing, online gaming, fintech solutions, telemedicine, and AI-driven applications. With Tier III data centres designed for 99.982% availability, users can expect consistent and reliable connectivity.
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Strategic Rollout and Edge Data Centres
The first phase of deployment begins in Angola, anchored by Raxio’s newest data centre in Luanda. The facility integrates with existing subsea cable landings and the Angonix Internet Exchange Point. Subsequent phases will extend across all of Raxio’s facilities in the region.
In addition, Raxio and Laser Light are co-developing edge data centre strategies to bring cloud, IoT, AI, and enterprise services closer to end users. This approach ensures faster processing, improved network efficiency, and compliance with local regulations on data sovereignty, energy, and ICT standards.
Economic and Workforce Impact
Beyond technological improvements, the African internet expansion initiative is set to generate new jobs in construction, network operations, and advanced technical roles. Raxio plans to implement training programs to build local expertise in Tier III data centre management, optical technologies, and network peering.
Raxio Group CEO Robert Skjodt emphasized:
“By combining Raxio’s state-of-the-art facilities with Laser Light’s global optical network, we are delivering a platform that will power innovation, investment, and job creation for decades to come.”
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Backing and Future Growth
Earlier this year, Raxio secured US$100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand colocation data centres across sub-Saharan Africa within three years. The company currently operates facilities in Côte d’Ivoire, the DRC, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Uganda, with Tanzania coming soon.
With this partnership, African internet expansion is poised to deliver faster, affordable, and reliable connectivity, creating a foundation for economic growth, digital innovation, and regional integration across sub-Saharan Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is driving African internet expansion?
Initiatives like Raxio’s partnership with Laser Light are increasing access to high-speed, low-latency, and cost-effective internet across sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Which countries are included in the Raxio-Laser Light project?
Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda.
3. How will this partnership reduce latency?
By localizing data closer to users through edge data centres and integrating with subsea cable systems and optical mesh networks.
4. What are Tier III data centres?
These facilities offer high reliability and uptime (99.982%), supporting enterprise-level applications, cloud services, and critical online services.
5. How does this project affect internet costs?
By reducing dependence on international bandwidth, wholesale costs are expected to drop by up to 90%, making internet more affordable.
6. What services will benefit from this expansion?
Cloud computing, AI-driven applications, gaming, fintech, telemedicine, and IoT services will see improved performance.
7. Will this project create jobs?
Yes, the initiative includes roles in construction, network operations, and technical training for local professionals.
8. What is the role of edge data centres in this project?
Edge data centres bring processing and storage closer to end users, improving speed, efficiency, and compliance with local standards.
9. How is Raxio funded for this expansion?
Raxio received US$100 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for deploying colocation data centres in sub-Saharan Africa.
10. Why is African internet expansion important?
It supports digital innovation, economic growth, connectivity, and enables businesses and individuals to access reliable, high-speed internet services.