Quick look:

• The project highlights the critical role of data centres in promoting connectivity, supporting African entrepreneurship and businesses in a digital era
• The partnership increases employment opportunities and facilitates economic transformation
• Underlines Africa50’s commitment to unlock Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments in data centres, smart cities and subsea cables across the continent
• Africa50 mobilises capital to meet the region’s expected future demand for data, internet capacity, and tech-empowered services

PAIX Data Centres, a Pan-African developer and operator of data centres, today announced the expansion of its facility in Accra to 1.2 MW, in a critical boost to the digital economy that will support connectivity and economic growth.

Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investor and asset manager has invested over $30 million in growth equity in PAIX Data Centres to support the company’s expansion into new markets and upgrade current facilities.

The expanded PAIX data centre, now one of the largest in Ghana, will help internet service providers (ISPs), cloud providers, and enterprises fully take advantage of robust digital infrastructure and improved connectivity, enabling the African business community to thrive in the digital era.

It is estimated that only between 10% and 30% of effective data centre demand in sub-Saharan Africa is being serviced today.

Attracting new and deep pools of public and private capital, Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure asset manager, aims to accelerate strategic investments in green data centres, transmission lines, smart cities, fibre optic networks, and more to maximise African productivity.

The upgraded facility boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and robust security measures, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for mission-critical applications and services.

The data centre also features advanced cooling and waste management systems and the increased integration of renewable energy as a power source to improve environmental impact.

The strategic location in Accra offers low latency connectivity to major regional and international network routes and subsea cables, further enhancing its services’ overall efficiency and performance.

Africa50’s investment in PAIX Data Centres is part of a growing portfolio of digital infrastructure assets that will drive growth in Africa’s digital economy:

• Africa50 and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) in May to develop the Kigali Innovation City (KIC). This 61-hectare smart city is expected to generate $150 million in ICT exports annually and attract over $300 million in foreign direct investment.
• In 2023, Africa50 signed a $320 million partnership with Bayobab to develop Project East2West, a terrestrial fibre optic cable network to improve internet access and connectivity in 10 geographies across East And West Africa.

Raza Hasnani, managing director, Head of Infrastructure at Africa50 and Chairman of the Board of PAIX, noted:

“We share a deep conviction that high quality, sustainable infrastructure transforms economies and societies. Our over $30 million equity investment in PAIX Data Centres is part of our broader strategy to create the connectivity required to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. We are proud that PAIX Data Centres is expanding and adopting best in class sustainability practices.”

Bright Tawiah, managing director, PAIX Data Centres, Ghana, said:

“This expansion reaffirms our dedication to providing best-in-class data centre solutions to our customers in Accra and beyond. As one of Africa’s digital economy hotspots, Accra plays a vital role in driving innovation and growth across various industries. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, enabling businesses to thrive in today’s increasingly connected world.”