Tech

Khazna to build $250m hyper-scale data centre in Egypt

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2023

The largest hyper-scale data network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Khazna, has announced plans to enter the Egyptian tech market in conjunction with Benya Group, a leading integrated solution and ICT infrastructure provider, to build a new $250 million state-of-the-art data centre in the North African country.

The centre, which is to be built at the Maadi Technology Park, Egypt’s first specialized investment zone, will be the first ever hyper-scale data centre in the country.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Eng. Ahmed Mekky, Chairman and CEO of Benya Group; Hassan Al Naqbi, the CEO of Khazna Data Centers and Eng. Amr Aboualam, Chairman of Maadi Technology Park, notes that with an expected capacity of 25 MW of IT load, the data center will unlock opportunities for businesses in Egypt aiming to expand internationally.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Khazna, which will enable us to enter the hyper-scale data center construction sector with full force,” Mekky said.

“This MoU we signed represents a significant step towards strengthening our role in establishing this type of data centers in Egypt, with the support of our partner, Khazna Data Centers, which has an excellent reputation and outstanding expertise in this sector,” he added.

On the partnership, Al Naqbi, said the centre would play a pivotal role in the digital revolution and transformation of the MENA region.

“Khazna Data Centers has played a pivotal role in the UAE’s digital transformation. This collaboration with Benya Group marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Khazna’s regional presence.

“We are confident that our expertise and track record in delivering high-quality hyper-scale data centers combined with Benya’s local knowledge and experience, will enable us to provide customers with the best-in-class data center services in the region transforming Egypt into a vital hub for data storage supporting the growth of its digital economy,” Al Naqbi said.

“The new hyper-scale data center will not only meet the needs of the Egyptian market but also, through its extensive capabilities, serve African and Middle Eastern countries,” he added.

Related Topics:Digitization Egypt Featured ICT Khazna MENA North Africa

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Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

17 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation

Tech

Moroccan retail-tech startup Z raises $1.5m to drive intense growth

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Morocco-based B2B retail-tech marketplace, ZSystems, has announced closing a $1.5 million seed funding round which will see it carry out its ambitious expansion dreams.

In a statement by co-founder and CEO, Meriem Benabad, the funding round was led by Morocco-based Venture Capital firms, MNF Ventures (through its MNF II fund), Witamax (through Fund II and III), Cash Plus Ventures, and Kalys Ventures.

“This funding marks a pivotal moment for Z, as we aim to scale operations and bring cutting-edge solutions to traditional retail.

“Our vision is to empower small businesses and unlock growth across Morocco and Africa,” Benabad said.

According to Benabad, the newly acquired capital will support Z’s technology development, product catalogue expansion, and preparation for its next growth phase.

“Z is reshaping the retail landscape by integrating technology and innovation across the value chain. Its scalable platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market,” he added.

Founded in 2022 by the trio of Benabad, Samer Choumar and Youssef Ait-Haddouch, Z’s platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market.

Since launch, the startup has helped over 15,000 active retailers, and seen more than 800,000 orders placed.