PAIX Data Centres adds capacity in Ghana

PAIX Data Centres, a pan-African developer and operator of data centers, has announced the expansion of its facility in Accra to 1.2 MW, which it says will be a critical boost to the digital economy that will support connectivity and economic growth in the country.

Africa50, a 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.

"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," said Raza Hasnani, MD and head of infrastructure at Africa50 and chairman of the board of PAIX.

The expanded PAIX data center, now one of the largest in Ghana, will help Internet service providers (ISPs), cloud providers and enterprises take advantage of digital infrastructure and improved connectivity.

PAIX said it is estimated that only between 10% and 30% of effective data center demand in sub-Saharan Africa is being serviced today.

"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," Bright Tawiah, MD of PAIX Data Centres Ghana, said in a statement.

PAIX said the strategic location in Accra offers low-latency connectivity to major regional and international network routes and subsea cables, further enhancing overall efficiency and performance.

"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 group said.

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

Founded in 2016, PAIX Data Centres has colocation facilities in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, with four other data centers on the continent under construction.

Africa50's infrastructure expansion

Africa50's investment in PAIX Data Centres is part of a growing portfolio of digital infrastructure assets aimed at driving growth in Africa's digital economy.

Attracting "new and deep pools of public and private capital," Africa50 aims to accelerate strategic investments in green data centers, transmission lines, smart cities and fiber optic networks to maximize African productivity.

Africa50 has invested over $30 million in growth equity in PAIX Data Centres to support the company's expansion into new markets and the upgrade of current facilities. (Source: benzoix on Freepik)

Africa50 and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) signed an implementation agreement in May 2024 to develop the Kigali Innovation City.

The 61-hectare smart city is expected to generate $150 million in ICT exports annually and attract over $300 million in foreign direct investment.

In May 2023, Africa50 signed a $320 million partnership with Bayobab to develop Project East2West, a terrestrial fiber optic cable network to improve Internet access and connectivity in ten geographies across east and west Africa.

*Top image was taken at the PAIX Data Centres launch event in Accra on July 2, 2024. From left to right: George Kwaning, moderator; Bright Taiwah, MD of PAIX Data Centres Ghana; Estelle Akofio-Sowah, West Africa regional manager at CSquared; Charles Acheampong, deputy minister for communication and digitalization, Ghana; Raza Hasnani, MD and head of infrastructure investments at Africa50. (Source: PAIX Data Centres.)

— Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa