Africa Data Centres, the leading network of interconnected, carrier-and cloud-neutral data centre facilities across the continent, has announced its plans to commence construction on a state-of-the-art facility in the Central Business District of Accra. This new data centre, strategically located in one of the key central areas of the city, will be the largest of its kind in West Africa, outside of Nigeria. The facility, designed for an initial 10 MW with the potential to expand up to 30 MW, marks a significant milestone in Africa Data Centres’ ambitious expansion plan, spanning 10 major economic hubs across the African continent.
Data centres are widely regarded as the backbone of digital-led economic growth worldwide. The establishment of this cutting-edge facility in Accra will play a pivotal role in developing sustainable and self-sufficient information and communication technology (ICT) ecosystems in the region. The first phase of construction is set to be completed within 12 months, setting the stage for accelerated digital transformation and private sector-led digital infrastructure and services in Africa.
Africa Data Centres’ expansion initiative, partly funded by the United States government’s U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), is set to transform the digital landscape across the continent. The company’s growth strategy encompasses major economic hubs in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Angola, and now Ghana. This unrivaled expansion is a testament to Africa Data Centres’ commitment to meeting the increasing demand for secure and reliable data centre services in Africa.
Hardy Pemhiwa, Group CEO for Liquid Intelligent Technologies, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “We continue to bring internationally recognized services and products through Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Africa Data Centres. Liquid already has the largest cross-border fiber network in Africa, and our data centre footprint expansion compliments this, enabling faster digital transformation on the continent.”
Scott Nathan, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “DFC is proud to support African Data Centres. This new facility in Accra will be an investment in critical infrastructure, helping to better link the rapidly growing African population and market to global opportunities. DFC’s commitment to strengthening ICT infrastructure in West Africa aligns with President Biden’s vision of mobilizing private capital for high-quality global infrastructure investments that improve people’s lives. This new data centre will help achieve that in Ghana and the region, creating jobs, improving existing business conditions, and attracting data-dependent companies looking to invest and expand their operations.”
The U.S. Government’s Senior Advisor, Amos Hochstein, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This investment exemplifies the U.S. Government’s commitment under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) to unlock public and private capital for sustainable infrastructure investment. Alongside the data centres in South Africa and Kenya, the Ghana data centre is laying the groundwork for a digital revolution on the continent.”
Welcoming the significant investment, Hon. Nana Akufo-Addo, The President of Ghana, emphasized the impact of the new facility on the country’s digital economy, stating, “The establishment of Africa Data Centre’s new 10MW data centre, in the heart of Accra, is a significant step towards bridging the infrastructure gap and further developing our digital economy. This investment, coupled with the government’s drive to digitize all sectors of the economy, will increase our capacity to access digital services and attract foreign direct investment.”
