A financing package from IFC and Proparco will help WIOCC Group expand digital infrastructure in three African countries, boosting the continent’s connectivity and economic growth.
IFC, a World Bank Group member, is providing loans of $10 million and ZAR 200 million, while Proparco, part of Agence Française de Développement Group, is contributing $20 million. WIOCC also plans to secure an additional $10 million loan from RMB for its Nigeria expansion.
The funding will enable WIOCC to grow its data centres in the DRC, Nigeria, and South Africa, addressing the rising demand for colocation and other services. It will also enhance fibre networks, bridging the digital divide and supporting Africa’s economic development.
The financing is structured as a sustainability-linked debt, with costs tied to WIOCC’s efforts to improve data centre energy efficiency and achieve EDGE green building certification. EDGE, developed by IFC, promotes resource-efficient and zero-carbon buildings.
Chris Wood, CEO of WIOCC, expressed enthusiasm for this funding stage, which will significantly expand their operations and connectivity across Africa. He emphasized their ongoing investment in infrastructure to create an interconnected digital ecosystem.
Ariane Ducreux from PROPARCO highlighted their long-term support for WIOCC since 2007 and the importance of neutral, open-access data centres for Africa’s digital resilience. She noted the sustainability-linked structure of the financing aims to encourage efficient energy and water use.
Bertrand de la Borde from IFC reaffirmed their commitment to affordable and reliable digital connectivity in Africa through shared infrastructure. He emphasized that this new debt facility supports WIOCC’s goal of creating an integrated, open-access cloud ecosystem across the continent.
Chidi Iwuchukwu from RMB expressed excitement about partnering with WIOCC, citing digital infrastructure as a core sector for the bank and their commitment to supporting WIOCC’s growth across Africa.
Since 2007, WIOCC has been investing in Africa’s digital backbone, providing open-access infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for connectivity. This latest financing marks a significant milestone in their mission to build a more connected and sustainable Africa.
