Mozambique Launches First Tier III Uptime-Certified Data Center, Raxio MZ1

In a significant boost to Mozambique’s digital infrastructure, Raxio Data Centres has inaugurated Raxio Mozambique (Raxio MZ1), the country’s premier Tier III Uptime-certified data center. This landmark facility, strategically situated in Beluluane Industrial Park (MozParks) near the capital, Maputo, marks a crucial step in enhancing the nation’s connectivity and digital capabilities.

Raxio MZ1, whose plans were first unveiled in 2021 and construction began in late 2022, is designed to meet both primary and disaster recovery needs for its clients. It leverages the robust power and connectivity infrastructure of MozParks, with a significant portion of its energy derived from renewable sources. This includes hydro-generated grid power complemented by local solar energy, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.

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The data center boasts state-of-the-art technologies that ensure maximum operational efficiency and environmental benefits. It features advanced cooling systems, stringent security standards, and both AC/DC power compatibility, ensuring an ‘always-on’ uptime environment. Its proximity to three subsea cable landings, including the high-capacity 2Africa cable, positions Raxio MZ1 as a critical hub for local and international data traffic.

This facility is not just a technical asset but a strategic investment in Mozambique’s burgeoning digital economy. It is expected to significantly improve internet speeds, resilience, and affordability for digital users in the region by facilitating better traffic management among local content providers and attracting international service providers.

Raxio’s approach of co-locating in a shared infrastructure model allows customers to reduce both operational and capital expenses while enhancing application performance and flexibility. This model is pivotal for startups and established companies alike, fostering a more dynamic and competitive technological ecosystem.

Robert Mullins, Chief Executive Officer of Raxio Group, highlighted the company’s ambitious expansion across Africa, with a $290 million investment strategy aimed at establishing a pan-African digital backbone. “This year we are opening five new facilities across as many African markets,” Mullins stated, emphasising the strategic importance of this expansion.

The launch of Raxio MZ1 is part of a larger wave of digital infrastructure developments across Africa, where global giants like Microsoft and Huawei have also been active. These investments are critical in a continent with a young, tech-savvy population increasingly reliant on digital services for everything from banking to entertainment.

Moreover, Raxio has secured substantial financial backing, with over $120 million in equity from its shareholders and a $110 million debt package from international partners like France’s Proparco and the UK-backed Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund. These financial injections underscore the confidence in Mozambique’s and Africa’s digital market potential, despite the challenges like ensuring a reliable power supply.

With this development, Mozambique is poised to play a significant role in the digital transformation of the region, supporting the government’s digital agenda and enhancing the overall economic resilience of the country. Raxio MZ1 is more than just a data center; it is a critical infrastructure that promises to drive innovation, improve internet accessibility, and support the digital aspirations of Mozambique and beyond.