On 25 August 2025, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) granted its first-ever support for a data centre project in Sub-Saharan Africa—OKays a US$66 million loan guarantee to build a national data centre in Côte d’Ivoire. This milestone marks a bold stride in Africa’s digital infrastructure evolution, particularly at a time when government and business ecosystems across the continent are racing to modernise and fortify their digital foundations.
The backing comes under EXIM’s China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP)—a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering US technological leadership and displacing Chinese alternatives in key emerging markets. The deal basically signals American commitment not just to global trade, but to presence and influence in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy.
The US$66 million guarantee, while not a direct loan, provides a financial safety net for US exporters, making it easier for them to enter and compete in markets like Côte d’Ivoire. It also serves as a vote of confidence in the country’s digital ambitions.
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Cybastion Institute: A Small Business Making Big Impact
The equipment for the new data centre will be supplied by Cybastion Institute of Technology, LLC, a small firm based in Washington, DC that specialises in cybersecurity and digital transformation tailored to African contexts. This endorsement not only brings vital technical capacity to the project but also champions small-business involvement—a powerful accelerator of job creation and innovation back home in the United States.
By leveraging a US-based provider like Cybastion, the project ensures end-to-end accountability, maintains high standards of data security, and creates a clear path for knowledge and technology transfer.
Strategic Significance: Beyond Pipes and Servers
The construction of this national data centre heralds more than just added server racks and cooling systems. It holds a deeper strategic and economic value for Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region.
Strengthened Security for Public Data
In an age where digital integrity is as vital as physical sovereignty, having a secure, nationally operated data centre ensures that sensitive public information remains within the country’s control and is shielded from external vulnerabilities.
Digital Economy Expansion
According to projections by the World Bank, Côte d’Ivoire’s digital economy could generate more than US$5.5 billion by 2025, and potentially over US$20 billion by 2050, assuming robust investment across infrastructure, platforms, financial inclusion, startups, and upskilling. This data centre directly feeds into that ambition by anchoring the infrastructure pillar.
Present Landscape and Future Growth
Currently, Côte d’Ivoire’s major data infrastructure is fragmented—primarily focused in and around Abidjan, and often serving private companies only. A national-level hub will decentralise access, spur regional digital inclusion, and support both government agencies and private innovation. From fintech to e-government platforms, this will be vital in scaling digital services throughout the nation.
Wider Implications: US-Africa Relations and Competition with China
This high-profile project carries broader geopolitical, economic, and developmental implications.
U.S. Strategic Outreach to Africa
Through EXIM’s support, the United States is reaffirming its role as a credible development partner for African infrastructure. In doing so, it tackles the narrative of Chinese dominance—a narrative long fuelled by Beijing’s significant investments across the continent. This gesture matters for shaping future partnerships in digital infrastructure, governance tech, and cybersecurity.
U.S. Job Creation and Tech Exports
While the data centre itself is located in Côte d’Ivoire, the ripple effect of the investment extends to the U.S. economy. Equipment orders, deployment services, and any after-sales support provided by Cybastion translate into job opportunities, furthering the EXIM mission of bolstering American exports and employment.
A Template for Sub-Saharan Development
If successful, this project could become a model for similar investments across Sub-Saharan Africa—showcasing how strategic financial instruments coupled with trusted small-business partners can deliver meaningful infrastructural upgrades without undermining local capacity or sovereignty.
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