MTN Digital Infrastructure has partnered with UAE-based investor Tarek Al Ashram to establish Africa Data Hub Holding Limited, a new company focused on developing AI-ready digital infrastructure across Africa.
The venture will initially target South Africa and Nigeria, with plans to develop and scale digital infrastructure platforms supporting growing demand for AI, cloud computing and data-intensive services.
MTN CEO Ralph Mupita said the company will take a phased approach, beginning with a target of 150MW of AI data centre capacity.
MTN’s connectivity subsidiary Bayobab, which also holds a stake in Africa Data Hub, will provide open-access connectivity and market support through its pan-African network.
MTN Group Digital Infrastructure CEO Mazen Mroué said the partnership goes beyond connectivity by creating infrastructure capable of supporting hyperscalers, cloud providers, enterprises and technology innovators.
Al Ashram, who previously founded UAE-based data centre operator Gulf Data Hub, said Africa’s expanding digital economy and demand for resilient infrastructure present a significant opportunity for investment.
The initiative forms part of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy and reflects the growing push to build local data centre capacity to support Africa’s AI and digital economy
Source : www.developingtelecoms.com
