The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently launched a €66.55 million fibre optic cable project, marking a significant stride towards enhancing its digital infrastructure. This ambitious project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is set to position the DRC as a digital hub in Central Africa. Notably, the initiative involves the construction of a cutting-edge National Data Centre in Brazzaville and the installation of 600 kilometers of fibre optic cable to connect with neighboring Cameroon and the Central African Republic. The AfDB is contributing €52.47 million to the project, while the Congolese government is providing the remaining €14.50 million.
Michel Ngakala, the coordinator of the Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone project, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the DRC’s digital sovereignty. Ngakala stated that Congo will soon be the only country in Central Africa with its own data centre, eliminating the need for its data and communications to pass through servers in Europe or America. This development is set to revolutionize how data is managed locally, fostering a more robust and secure digital environment.
Samatar Omar Elmi, Chief ICT Specialist at the AfDB, highlighted the broader significance of the project. He noted that locally produced data would create a virtuous cycle of local value creation, benefiting the entire digital ecosystem. The project aims to significantly boost internet penetration in the DRC, which stood at 17.4% in early 2022, compared to 43.0% for Africa and 68.6% globally. Scheduled for completion by December 2024, the data centre will feature server rooms, monitoring facilities, and energy-efficient systems. This infrastructure will support local data hosting for both public and private sectors, including telecom operators, banks, and insurance companies.
In a related development, Nigeria has announced an expansive plan to enhance its fibre optic network. Following a Federal Executive Council meeting, Nigeria secured approvals to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for deploying an additional 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable. This project will expand Nigeria’s existing 35,000 kilometers of connectivity infrastructure to a total of 125,000 kilometers. The SPV will be modeled on successful Public-Private Partnerships like the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). By leveraging both government and private sector resources, Nigeria aims to create Africa’s third-longest terrestrial fibre optic backbone.
Nigeria’s initiative seeks to optimize the capacity of the country’s eight submarine cables, which are currently underutilized at 10%. By connecting over 200,000 educational, healthcare, and social institutions, this expansion will address the significant non-consumption gap and increase internet penetration above 70%. The cost of internet access is expected to drop by over 60%, bringing millions more Nigerians online.
The DRC’s and Nigeria’s efforts to enhance their digital infrastructures reflect a broader trend towards improved digital connectivity across Africa. These projects promise to transform their economies and societies, fostering significant economic growth and development in the region.
Integrating cryptocurrency technology into these fibre optic projects could further enhance their potential. Blockchain technology, the underlying infrastructure of cryptocurrencies, offers a secure and transparent way to manage data and transactions. By incorporating blockchain into the DRC’s new data centre and fibre optic network, the country could ensure the security and integrity of its digital infrastructure. Blockchain can provide a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger for data transactions, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized changes or breaches to occur.
Moreover, cryptocurrencies could play a crucial role in funding and maintaining these large-scale infrastructure projects. With the rising interest in cryptocurrencies globally, the DRC and Nigeria could explore Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) or other crypto-based fundraising methods to attract international investments. This approach would not only provide the necessary funds but also bring global attention to their digital transformation efforts.
Additionally, the use of cryptocurrencies can facilitate cross-border transactions, especially in regions with limited access to traditional banking services. By adopting digital currencies, the DRC and Nigeria can promote financial inclusion, allowing more people to participate in the digital economy. This integration can drive further internet adoption, as access to digital financial services often encourages individuals to go online.
Furthermore, implementing smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code—on the blockchain can streamline various aspects of the fibre optic projects. For example, smart contracts can automate payments to contractors upon completion of specific milestones, reducing delays and ensuring transparency in the use of funds. This automation can increase efficiency and reduce corruption, a significant concern in large infrastructure projects.
The integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into the DRC’s and Nigeria’s fibre optic projects represents a forward-thinking approach to digital transformation. By leveraging these technologies, both countries can enhance the security, efficiency, and financial viability of their digital infrastructure initiatives. This move would position them as pioneers in the digital economy, attracting further investment and innovation to the region.
In conclusion, the DRC’s €66.55 million fibre optic cable project and Nigeria’s ambitious expansion plan are significant steps towards enhancing digital connectivity in Africa. By integrating cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into these initiatives, the DRC and Nigeria can ensure the success and sustainability of their digital transformation efforts, ultimately fostering economic growth and development across the continent.
