AFRICA Data Centres, the largest network of interconnected data centre facilities on the continent, has announced plans to start construction on a newly acquired land in Accra, Ghana’s Central Business District. The facility, designed to initially support 10 MW with potential expansion to 30 MW, will be the largest data centre in West Africa outside of Nigeria.
The development of data centres is crucial for driving digital-led economic growth, and Africa Data Centres aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient ICT ecosystems across Africa. The new facility will be built on a part of the former Trade Fair showgrounds site, a central location in Accra, with the first phase scheduled for completion within 12 months.
This expansion in Ghana is part of Africa Data Centres’ broader plan to establish data centres in 10 major economic hubs across Africa, including South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, and Angola. The expansion is supported in part by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), as part of efforts to accelerate private sector-led digital infrastructure and services in Africa.
Hardy Pemhiwa, Group CEO for Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which operates Africa Data Centres, highlighted the synergy between Liquid’s cross-border fibre network and the data centre footprint expansion, enabling faster digital transformation across the continent.
‘We continue to bring internationally recognised services and products through Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Africa Data Centres. Liquid already has the largest cross-border fibre network in Africa, and our data centres footprint expansion compliments this, enabling faster digital transformation on the continent,’ says Pemhiwa.
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) expressed its support for Africa Data Centres, emphasising the role of the new facility in Accra in enhancing critical infrastructure and connecting the growing African population and market with global opportunities. The investment aligns with President Biden’s commitments to mobilise private capital for high-quality global infrastructure investments.
The establishment of the data centre was welcomed by Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who highlighted its contribution to bridging the infrastructure gap and further developing the country’s digital economy. The investment is expected to increase access to digital services and attract foreign direct investment.
The CEO of Africa Data Centres, Tesh Durvasula, emphasised the company’s focus on narrowing the digital divide in West Africa. The data centres aim to cater to major tech companies, multinational corporations, banks, and local enterprises. Additionally, the facilities are supported by independent solar and battery storage power, reflecting the commitment to digital technologies while minimising environmental impact.
‘Our new data centre in Ghana is a significant step towards Africa Data Centres’ goal of narrowing the digital divide in the West Africa region. Hyper-scale data centres, preferred by major US tech companies, multinational corporations, banks and other local enterprises, are the speciality of Africa Data Centres. Additionally, our data centres are supported with independent solar and battery storage power, enabling us to bring digital technologies whilst mitigating our environmental impact,’ said Tesh Durvasula.