Tech

Airtel sets up its first African 38MW data centre in Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Airtel Africa has officially launched a first-ever 38MW data centre in Lagos, Nigeria, in collaboration with its Nxtra subsidiary.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the new centre christened “Nxtra Data Centre,” situated at highbrow Victoria Island, was hosted by outgoing Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya, and his
successor, Sunil Taldar, as well as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

While making a keynote address, Ogunsanya said the centre underscores the group’s commitment to meeting the continent’s data management needs by providing trusted and sustainable data centre capacity to serve the fast-growing African digital economy.

Ogunsanya explained that the Nxtra project marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey and a cornerstone of the organization’s growth strategy, with a particular focus on Nigeria which is its largest market.

“We strongly believe that the establishment of NXtra Data Centers will enhance data sovereignty, security, and preservation within the continent, reflecting our commitment to make Nigeria a major hub for access to digital services as we propel Africa towards a sustainable and inclusive digital age,” he said.

The outgoing CEO said the project will “provide over 1000 jobs for Nigerians and more significantly, once deployed and at capacity, will create over 250 permanent jobs for Nigerians whilst
supporting companies in manufacturing, financial services, and health care as they move their data and computing into third-party data centers like ours.”

He explained that the Nxtra by Airtel Data Centre will deliver 38 megawatts of total power and host high-density racks that integrate the latest best practice construction to achieve 1.3 power usage
effectiveness (PUE), and is expected to go live by the first quarter of 2026.

“The Nxtra Data Centre facility will be the first of five hyperscale data centres to be developed by Airtel Africa on the continent.

“Combined, these data centres will offer a robust 180-megawatt
capacity, distributed across 13 major data centres and over 48 edge data centres.

“Coupled with Airtel Africa’s extensive fibre footprint, Nxtra offers secure and scalable integrated solutions to global hyper-scalers, large African enterprises, startups, SMEs and governments,” Ogunsanya noted.

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Tech

Intel Liftoff Hackathon 2024 calls for applications from African AI startups

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Applications for the 2024 cohort of Intel Liftoff Hackathon has opened for African AI startups designed to bring together aspiring tech entrepreneurs, software developers, and AI enthusiasts to collaborate, innovate, and create solutions to concrete African challenges.

In its second edition, the hackathon welcomes pioneering early-stage AI startup teams from the African continent, delving into experiments with LLM technology, a statement on the website of the organiser stated.

It added that the Intel Liftoff Hackathon for African AI Startups, which will be held online on May 27-31, is themed “Hack and Connect”, and will take place in partnership with Modus Africa, University Mohamed VI Polytechnic, Morocco

Other partners include TUT Hub of Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa, Prosper Africa, UM6P Ventures, FAST Accelerator, Innov8 Technology Hubs, and Open Startups International.

“The hackathon will feature hands-on workshops that will allow learning of AI essentials; three days of challenges with mentors to test skills; exhibition opportunities to showcase startups and forge partnerships with industry leaders; and networking opportunities to engage with fellow startups and gain insights from domain experts in the AI ecosystem,” the statement said.

“Winners will be invited to join the Intel Liftoff for Startups programme, and receive unique mentoring sessions with ecosystem partners and marketing opportunities with blog articles,” it concluded.

Tech

Nigeria’s NGX Group enters into strategic investment partnership with Ethiopian Securities Exchange

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Leading Nigerian integrated market infrastructure group in Africa, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), has announced strategic investment in the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX).

Chairman of the NGX Group,
Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, who made the announcement in a statement, said the pivotal move would not only mark the group’s entry into the East African market but also “underscores its commitment to driving growth and innovation in the African capital markets, while strategically positioning itself as the largest foreign institutional investor in the ESX.”

He noted that the “investment in the ESX reflects NGX Group’s confidence in the potential of Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy and capital market.”

“By partnering with ESX, NGX Group aims to support the development of a vibrant and resilient financial ecosystem in Ethiopia, fostering increased investor participation and capital formation.

“Through this investment, NGX Group aims to contribute to robust regulatory frameworks and foster best practices within the ESX ecosystem.

”We extend our congratulations to the ESX on its successful capital raise and commend the Government of Ethiopia and the private sector for their support in bringing this pioneering initiative in the country to fruition.

“Our partnership with ESX is a resounding affirmation of our unwavering dedication to promoting economic development, transparency, and exemplary corporate governance standards that foster an environment conducive to inclusive growth, even as we aim to maximize value for our esteemed shareholders.

“The Group remains dedicated to providing ongoing technical assistance and capability enhancements to support the successful operations and growth of the ESX,” the NGX Chairman said.

Also speaking on the partnership, Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, said:

“We are excited to announce our investment in the Ethiopian Stock Exchange, which represents a significant milestone in our expansion strategy. Ethiopia is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with immense potential for investment and growth.

“We believe that by partnering with the Ethiopian Stock Exchange, we can leverage our expertise and experience to contribute to the development of a robust and dynamic capital market in Ethiopia.”