“Achieving the TCCF for our DRC data centre is a significant milestone for Raxio Group,” said Robert Saunders, chief technology officer at Raxio Group. (Image source: Raxio Group)

Raxio Group has successfully obtained the Tier Certification of Constructed Facility (TCCF) from Uptime Institute for its 1.5MW data centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

This achievement reinforces Raxio’s dedication to delivering high-quality, reliable data centre infrastructure across Africa.

The certification process included an intensive four-day, on-site assessment by Uptime Institute engineers, who rigorously evaluated every aspect of the facility’s design and construction.

Building resilience

The data centre met all Tier III standards, confirming full compliance with approved design documents and showcasing Raxio’s commitment to technical excellence.

“Achieving the TCCF for our DRC data centre is a significant milestone for Raxio Group,” said Robert Saunders, chief technology officer at Raxio Group. “This certification not only demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of our team in overcoming many challenges but also reinforces our commitment to building and operating state-of-the-art data centres in emerging markets.”

This milestone was made possible by the expertise of Raxio’s engineering team, whose leadership ensured the project met certification requirements. The Project Management Office team oversaw the construction, while the local Technical Operations team prepared the facility for Uptime Institute’s stringent testing.

With this latest certification, Raxio now has three Tier III certified data centres in its expanding portfolio, further strengthening its position as a leading provider of advanced data centre solutions in Africa.

Also read: Raxio achieves Tier III milestone

Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director of OADC Texaf - Kinshasa, said, “Achieving ISO 27001, ISO 22301 and PCI DSS certifications is a testament to our unwavering dedication to operational excellence and client-centric service delivery."

Open Access Data Centres (OADC) Texaf - Kinshasa has achieved a major milestone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by securing three globally recognised certifications: ISO 27001, ISO 22301, and PCI DSS

This pioneering accomplishment highlights OADC Texaf - Kinshasa’s dedication to delivering secure, resilient, and world-class digital infrastructure that aligns with international standards.

ISO 27001, the internationally recognised benchmark for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), affirms that OADC Texaf - Kinshasa has implemented robust security measures. This certification assures clients of its commitment to safeguarding information integrity while also serving as a foundation for achieving Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance.

PCI DSS certification further establishes OADC Texaf - Kinshasa as a reliable partner for the financial services and payments sector. By adhering to strict security protocols, the company plays a crucial role in advancing the DRC’s financial and payments landscape. This certification also reinforces trust in financial services, supporting the nation’s ongoing push for financial inclusion.

Additionally, the ISO 22301 certification for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) ensures that OADC Texaf - Kinshasa can maintain seamless service delivery and rapidly recover from unexpected disruptions. This guarantees clients a high level of operational reliability, which is essential for businesses requiring unwavering service integrity.

Mohammed Bouhelal, managing director of OADC Texaf - Kinshasa, commented, “Achieving ISO 27001, ISO 22301 and PCI DSS certifications is a testament to our unwavering dedication to operational excellence and client-centric service delivery. These milestones position OADC as a leader in secure and resilient digital infrastructure, supporting the growth of the DRC’s digital economy and fostering trust among local and international businesses.”

These certifications are particularly significant for OADC Texaf - Kinshasa’s diverse customer base, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom carriers, enterprises, banks, and financial institutions. By surpassing global compliance standards, the company strengthens the foundation for secure and dependable digital services, driving technological innovation and economic expansion across the region.

This achievement also enhances the DRC’s reputation as an emerging digital infrastructure hub in Africa, attracting foreign investment and reinforcing confidence in the country’s digital transformation journey. As the demand for secure, resilient, and compliant data centre services continues to grow, OADC Texaf - Kinshasa remains a trailblaser, setting industry benchmarks and shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the DRC and Central Africa.

Also read: Rawbank partners with OADC Kinshasa

AXIAN Telecom strengthens disaster response efforts by signing the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter. (Image source: AXIAN Telecom)

AXIAN Telecom, a leading pan-African telecommunications group, has officially signed the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC). Established in 2015, the HCC strengthens Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies such as natural disasters

By joining this initiative, AXIAN Telecom brings its MNOs—now unified under the Yas brand in Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, Senegal, and Togo—into a collaborative effort to enhance disaster resilience.

The HCC’s core principles focus on ensuring communities affected by crises have access to reliable connectivity while setting industry-wide best practices for preparedness and emergency response. It emphasises the importance of timely information sharing to benefit both affected populations and humanitarian organizations.

In alignment with this commitment, AXIAN Telecom, through Yas in Madagascar, is working with GSMA to implement an Early Warning System (EWS) designed to improve disaster response. The system is built on four key components: data collection, risk assessment, hazard monitoring, and issuing alerts—helping to strengthen national and community-level preparedness.

Following the impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte on 14 December, AXIAN Telecom swiftly mobilised to support affected communities. The company’s relief initiatives included restoring mobile infrastructure, offering free communication between Comoros and Mayotte via Yas Comoros, and collaborating with Free-Groupe Iliad and Télécoms Sans Frontières to coordinate aid efforts. These actions reinforce AXIAN Telecom’s dedication to humanitarian connectivity across its operational regions.

AXIAN Telecom CEO Hassan Jaber commented, “For many years, people have been affected by disasters, with the Cyclone Chido serving as a stark reminder of the devastating toll these events can take on communities. AXIAN Telecom is deeply remorseful for the hardship the people of Mayotte continue to endure and remains committed to supporting our communities. We are determined to leverage technology for good and help our communities be better prepared for such unfortunate events. While the initiative is less than a decade old, we commend the progress made so far and are excited to once again collaborate with GSMA, beginning with EWS4ALL. This project will be pivotal, particularly in our East African and Indian ocean-based regions, which are highly vulnerable to natural disasters.”

Kimberly Brown, head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation at GSMA, added, “Connectivity is a lifeline for emergency-affected populations, the GSMA’s Humanitarian Connectivity Charter fosters industry-wide cooperation in times of crisis, and we are pleased to welcome AXIAN Telecom as a signatory. Mobile network operators continue to play a critical role in humanitarian preparedness, response, and recovery, harnessing mobile technology to support communities in need. AXIAN Telecom’s efforts in Madagascar, including the development of an Early Warning System, exemplify this commitment – ensuring communities are better equipped to anticipate and mitigate disasters. This is a valuable contribution to the Early Warnings for All initiative.”

Also read: AXIAN expands digital access with AfDB Loan

AXIAN Telecom Secures $160M AfDB loan to boost 4G, 5G, financial inclusion. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The African Development Bank has approved a US$160mn senior corporate loan to help AXIAN Telecom expand digital connectivity and financial inclusion across nine African nations

This funding will accelerate the upgrade and expansion of AXIAN Telecom’s network infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on 4G and 5G deployment, while also fostering digital innovation and enabling the company’s expansion into new markets.

Headquartered in Mauritius, AXIAN Telecom currently serves 42.9 million mobile subscribers, 11.4 million data users, and 15.2 million mobile financial service customers, reinforcing its position as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation.

A major component of the investment is reducing gender disparities in financial services. Over US$10mn will be allocated to supporting 22,000 women entrepreneurs in Madagascar via AXIAN’s Mvola platform. Additionally, a US$2.5mn grant will enhance financial literacy and improve credit access for 34,000 women-led businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, and Senegal, empowering them to scale and enter the formal economy.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Solomon Quaynor, vice-president for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization at the African Development Bank, stated, “This investment reflects the African Development Bank's commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation and fostering inclusive growth. By supporting AXIAN Telecom's growth plan, we are bridging the digital divide, creating opportunities for millions across the continent, and fostering innovation.”

Quaynor emphasised that the Bank’s support is part of a broader collaboration to advance financial inclusion—particularly for women—accelerate progress, and promote sustainable development. He added, “Together, we are building the infrastructure and ecosystems that will enable Africa to thrive in the digital age.”

AXIAN Telecom CEO, Hassan Jaber, welcomed the partnership, remarked, “We are honoured to partner with an organisation that shares our vision of advancing Africa's digital economy. The funding from the African Development Bank not only underscores the immense digital potential of the continent but also highlights the critical role of collaboration in driving sustainable development.”

Jaber highlighted that the funding will enhance AXIAN Telecom’s ongoing efforts to expand affordable internet access and develop innovative solutions to close the digital divide. He also noted that the investment aligns with the recent rebranding of the company’s mobile operations under the Yas brand. 

“Yas represents our commitment to empowering a young, dynamic, and digitally connected population, embracing every opportunity with a resounding 'YES.' Together, this collaboration will help drive meaningful change across Africa’s digital landscape, furthering our shared mission of digital and financial inclusion,” he added.

The partnership aligns with the African Development Bank’s “Hi-5” strategic priorities, particularly "Industrialize Africa" and "Integrate Africa," which aim to enhance connectivity, promote cross-border digital services, and expand financial inclusion.