Telecom
Africa Data Centres Plans to Build Large Hyperscale Data Centres Across the Continent
Africa’s leading carrier-neutral co-location data centre provider, Africa Data Centres has announced plans to build large hyperscale data centres throughout Africa, including the North African countries of Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.
The project will involve building 10 hyperscale data centres, in 10 countries, over the next two years – at a cost of more than US$500m. It is being funded through new equity and facilities from leading development finance institutions and multilateral organisations.
Mr Stephane Duproz, ceo, Africa Data Centres, explained that the finance for the roll-out has been provided by equity and loans to Africa Data Centres’ parent company, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, to fully fund the expansion.
Explaining the ambitious initiative, Duproz says, “We have already begun to acquire land in these countries and plan to roll-out very quickly to meet the needs of our existing and new customers. This is just the beginning for us.” The expansion will more than double Africa Data Centres’ already significant footprint on the continent.
“Examining Africa’s growth trajectory has allowed us to make investment decisions on new locations and confidently commit to expanding selected existing locations, resulting in the largest investment of its kind in history,” explains Duproz.
Growth
“This commitment to Africa, through the continuous deployment of capital-intensive infrastructure projects, has pivotal knock-on effects for the communities and economies we serve,” says Duproz. “All our data centres are world-class – built to the same, global market-leading standard and offer a reliable, resilient, secure and interconnected base.
“This allows multinational organisations to confidently enter the market, knowing their future growth is assured and they have access to open carrier systems to the rest of the continent.
“Additionally, without access to always-on, high-speed data centre facilities, the private sector cannot compete globally and will see slowed growth locally; equally important is the impact IT services have on the public sector – from healthcare to transport infrastructure.”
Africa Data Centres’ investment is a reflection of, as well as a catalyst for the continued direct foreign investment into the continent and the positive growth of local organisations.
Duproz says industries especially likely to be buoyed by Africa Data Centres’ expansion are the banking and growing fintech sectors, insurance and medical organisations, the public sector, hyperscale cloud providers and content providers.
These industries, he says, are highly sensitive to data speed, security, guaranteed uptime and are exacting when it comes to reliability and trust in their providers. The SME market too, he says, has found a significant opportunity for growth by plugging into the digital ecosystems that data centres provide.
“Our experience from across the continent is that the strategic value of data centres has both immediate and long-term effects on the economy and the communities they serve. Job creation is something we are passionate about at Africa Data Centres and the equation is a simple one: digitisation boosts economies, and successful digitisation requires data centres.
Data centres are digital ecosystems, acting as magnets to organisations – and as the digital ecosystem grows within the data centre, so the local economy grows in the real world. The impact of a data centre is long-lasting, with immediate job creation stemming from the physical build and enduring economic growth once operational.”
Sustainable, pan-African, neutral, interconnected
“We are Africa’s largest network of data centres – and we are growing perpetually. All of our facilities across the continent will remain interconnected, allowing our tenants to take advantage of our vast footprint. Furthermore, we guarantee carrier-neutrality – meaning our tenants benefit from competition, redundancy and reliability.
And, perhaps most importantly, is our commitment to sustainable, clean builds. We invest heavily in innovative grey-water systems, waste disposal and renewable energy sources, ensuring our carbon footprint is drastically reduced, our reliability is uncontested and while building economies, we’re aiding the environment”, says Duproz.
Africa Data Centres has already begun the implementation of its roadmap with the construction of both new facilities and the expansion of existing facilities underway.
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the recent increase in tariffs by telecommunications companies in Nigeria, threatening to embark on a nationwide protest to compel a reversal.
In a statement jointly signed on Thursday in Abuja by Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye, national secretary-general, NANS and Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, the student body gave the Federal Government and telecommunications companies a 72-hour ultimatum to reverse the tariff increase.
The students warned that upon the expiration of the ultimatum, students across the country would be mobilized for a series of street protests nationwide to ensure a reversal.
They argued that the arbitrary action of telecommunications companies has further exacerbated the financial burden on millions of Nigerians, particularly students and youths, who are among the dominant end-users of their services.
The statement read in part:
“This decision, which has led to a significant rise in the cost of calls, data, and other communication services, is both unjustifiable and insensitive, given the prevailing economic challenges faced by the populace.
“NANS views this development as a blatant disregard for the welfare of Nigerian citizens and an affront to the principles of affordability and accessibility that should govern the telecommunications sector.
“This administration is committed to promoting the welfare of Nigerian students; hence, it will vehemently oppose any tendency that does not align with this vision.
“NANS is deeply concerned about the adverse impact this tariff hike will have on students, many of whom rely heavily on affordable telecommunications services for academic research, virtual learning, and staying connected with their families.
“Therefore, it is worrisome to comprehend the justifications for these increments, as NANS considers this action a direct threat to the security of Nigerian students and an attempt to further impede their ability to navigate their academic endeavors, maintain familial connections, and secure legitimate personal incomes, particularly for independent students responsible for their upkeep.
“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to telecommunications companies, the Honourable Minister for Innovation, Digital and Blue Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission to reverse this tariff increase and provide a clear roadmap for ensuring affordable telecommunications services for all Nigerians.
“Failure to comply with this ultimatum will leave NANS with no choice but to mobilize students across the nation for a series of peaceful protests to demand justice, accountability, and a comprehensive audit of activities in the telecommunications sector,” NANS stated.
The leadership of NANS maintained that as student representatives, they would not stand idly by while the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, which they have vowed to protect, are trampled upon by greed, “corporate capitalism,” and regulatory complicity.
NANS also called on the Federal Government to intervene promptly and decisively to address this issue.
Additionally, they urged telecommunications companies to prioritize the interests of their customers over profit margins and to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions rather than inflict further hardship on Nigerians who are already struggling economically.
“As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to advocating for policies and actions that promote equity, fairness, and the overall well-being of all Nigerians.
“We will continue to hold all parties and duty-bearers accountable to ensure that the rights of students and citizens are protected,” the statement added.
Federal Government has restated its dedication to closing Nigeria’s digital divide, with a focus on delivering connectivity to underserved and unserved communities.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement session held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tijani noted that while significant progress has been made in expanding broadband penetration and strengthening digital infrastructure, millions of Nigerians remain without access to reliable digital opportunities.
He announced several flagship initiatives under the Federal Government’s efforts to bridge the divide. These include Project BRIDGE, a 90,000km fibre optic expansion; Project 774, aimed at connecting every local government secretariat with high-speed internet; and the Universal Access Project, targeted at connecting over 20 million unconnected Nigerians.
Other initiatives, such as the National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) and the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, were also highlighted.
“The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) remains a critical tool in delivering this goal, as it supports infrastructure expansion and inclusive policies,” Tijani said.
He stressed the need for strong public-private partnerships and collaboration with development agencies and local communities to achieve sustainable progress.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized the importance of unified efforts to build resilient telecommunication infrastructure.
He revealed that projects funded by the USPF had played a significant role in connecting remote communities.
“We urge stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and explore innovative financing models that will ensure sustainable connectivity,” Maida said.
The engagement session also provided a platform for deliberations on practical strategies for addressing barriers, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy, which hinder the achievement of universal connectivity in Nigeria.
The Federal Government reiterated its vision of achieving universal access to communications and digital literacy for all Nigerians by 2030.
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, on Thursday launched ‘MyLagosApp,’ a digital platform designed to enhance urban living in Lagos.
L-R: Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria, A’isha Mumuni; Legendary Nollywood Actress, Joke Silva; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Toriola; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat and Chief Information Officer, MTN Nigeria, Shoyinka Shodunke at the launch of MyLagosApp, a one-stop digital hub designed to simplify urban living, held on Thursday, March 13 at MTN Rooftop Plaza, Falomo, Lagos.
The application, which serves as a one-stop hub for events, entertainment, transport services, hospitality, and government-related payments, aims to simplify access to essential services for residents and visitors.
At the launch event held in Lagos, the Executive Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, lauded the partnership as a milestone in leveraging technology to improve lives.
“This collaboration reflects our administration’s commitment to bridging the gap between public and private sectors, using innovation to provide practical solutions for the people,” Hamzat said.
He described the app as a vital tool for fostering transparency, accountability, and seamless access to public services, noting that it aligns with the state’s smart city initiatives.
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, expressed the company’s pride in partnering with the Lagos State Government to achieve this milestone.
“MyLagosApp is a major stride in digital transformation, marking a significant step in making Lagos a truly smart city. It simplifies connectivity, access to services, and promotes an efficient urban ecosystem,” Toriola said.
The app, developed by MTN’s Software Lab, adheres to global security standards and ISO 27001 certification, according to MTN’s Chief Information Officer, Shoyinka Shodunke.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized the role of the app in advancing mobility, supporting local businesses, and enhancing government-citizen interactions.
The application is now available for download on Android and iOS platforms.
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