Addressing data infrastructure challenges in Uganda for SME growth

As Uganda continues to embrace the digital economy, the demand for secure, sustainable, and locally managed data infrastructure is on the rise. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Godfrey Sserwamukoko, General Manager of Raxio Data Centre Uganda, shed light on the industries fueling the need for data centers and the challenges faced by businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in managing data. The key theme of the discussion revolved around addressing data infrastructure challenges in Uganda to support SME growth and build a resilient data ecosystem. Godfrey highlighted that industries like banking, financial services, insurance, telecom, and SMEs have been driving the demand for data infrastructure services in Uganda. The early adopters have been motivated by compliance requirements for disaster recovery and business continuity planning to mitigate risks inherent in their sectors. Additionally, the need for availability, security, and reliability in data services has created a competitive advantage among players within each segment. This increasing demand for networks, cloud services, and digital transformation tools is shaping the data landscape in the country. The challenges faced by businesses, particularly SMEs, in managing data include the availability of reliable facilities and the complexity of procuring different services from disparate sources. In response, Raxio Data Centre Uganda has tailored its offerings to cater to the diverse needs of SMEs. By providing an ecosystem within its space that includes connectivity providers, cloud services, exchange points, and bank switching, Raxio aims to streamline the procurement process for SMEs, enabling quick access to essential services. This approach not only ensures reliability and scalability but also accelerates time-to-market for SMEs, supporting their growth and sustainability. Moreover, addressing data sovereignty concerns has been a crucial aspect of Raxio's operations. Data residency, or the location where data resides, is a key consideration for businesses, especially those handling sensitive information. By establishing trust with hyperscalers, local companies, and private players, Raxio has positioned itself as a trusted partner for hosting data within the country. This approach not only aligns with the trend towards data localization but also contributes to the economy by offering data residency solutions to entities like government institutions and banks. Looking ahead, the impact of digital transformation on Uganda's economy and the digital ecosystem is expected to be significant. By supporting SMEs in adopting digital technologies and facilitating data management, Raxio Data Centre Uganda is playing a vital role in driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in the country. As the push for sustainability and efficiency in data infrastructure continues, Uganda's SMEs are set to leverage these advancements to enhance their competitiveness and expand their market reach. In conclusion, Godfrey Sserwamukoko's insights underscore the importance of robust data infrastructure in empowering SMEs and fostering a resilient data ecosystem in Uganda. By addressing the challenges faced by businesses, navigating data sovereignty concerns, and embracing digital transformation, Raxio Data Centre Uganda is poised to be a key enabler of SME growth and success in the digital age.