This development marks an important strategic milestone for PAIX Data Centres as it continues to expand its network in West Africa to meet the growing demand for high-quality digital infrastructure

DAKAR, Senegal, January 27, 2025/APO Group/ — 

PAIX Data Centres (www.PAIX.io), a leading data centre provider in Africa, is proud to announce the construction of a new state-of-the-art data centre in Dakar, Senegal. This development marks an important strategic milestone for PAIX Data Centres as it continues to expand its network in West Africa to meet the growing demand for high-quality digital infrastructure.

PAIX Data Centres is already operational in Accra, Ghana, Nairobi, Kenya and Djibouti.

Benefits for the region and customers

Four submarine cables are already connected to Dakar (ACE, MainOne, SAT3, SHARE) and more cables are currently being installed (2Africa), making the data centre a key access point for customers looking to serve the region’s emerging markets.

The PAIX Dakar data centre will provide essential digital infrastructure to support innovation and economic growth in West Africa.

Businesses will benefit from access to reliable connectivity and high-quality colocation services, helping to strengthen their competitiveness and resilience.

A state-of-the-art data center

To set up the infrastructure, PAIX Data Centers purchased the land to build the buildings to house the data center equipment. The goal is to have a modern facility offering approximately 918 m² of usable space and critical power of up to 1.2 megawatts. The first phase of the project is scheduled to be operational in 2026, marking a milestone in the development of digital services in the region.

The new PAIX Dakar data center will provide a robust and secure infrastructure to host IT equipment. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to deliver optimal performance, exceptional reliability and flexible solutions tailored to the needs of local and international businesses. The main features of the PAIX Dakar data center are:

• 1.2 MW of IT load to ensure sufficient and stable power supply for critical operations.
• 900 square meters of colocation space offering flexible and scalable solutions for a variety of hosting needs.
• 330 bays to house a wide range of IT equipment in a secure and controlled environment.

The construction of this new data centre in Dakar demonstrates our commitment to the development of digital infrastructure in West Africa

Environmental Commitment

PAIX Data Centres has made a series of environmental commitments and is continually working to design high-performance data centres that take advantage of the latest design innovations.

Operational strategies aim to optimise the maximum use of local resources, operating at the most efficient temperatures and saving cooling water consumption in water-stressed regions.

PAIX Data Centres is committed to using 100% renewable energy in the construction of its data centres by 2030.

Economic and Social Commitment

PAIX Data Centres and its investor Africa50 (established by 32 African governments, including Senegal) are committed to providing best-in-class data centre solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Senegal and West Africa.

Job Creation

The construction and operation of the PAIX Dakar data centre will create jobs in Senegal. Nearly 200 workers will be involved in building the infrastructure, while around 20 employees will work full-time to operate the data centre in Dakar. In addition, the new data centre will create business opportunities for suppliers, including architects, engineering consultants, contractors and maintenance companies.

Global Gateway

PAIX Data Centres is a member of the European Global Gateway Business Advisory Group and works in collaboration with the European Union to foster the development of digital infrastructure on the African continent. Supporting secure and resilient digital infrastructure is essential to unlocking economic development opportunities and attracting investment to African countries as well as ensuring the protection of digital sovereignty, security, democracy and fundamental rights.

QUOTES

• Boubacar Fall Sy, Managing Director of PAIX Data Centres Senegal, said: “The construction of this new data centre in Dakar demonstrates our commitment to the development of digital infrastructure in West Africa. We look forward to providing local and international businesses with world-class colocation and connectivity services, facilitating their digital transformation.
• Mohsen Chirara, Managing Director of Arc Informatique, said: “PAIX, with its African experience and expertise is a sure answer with an approach of a neutral actor. All the best in your project”
• Norman Albi, Managing Director of AFR-IX Telecom, said: “This new data centre of PAIX Data Centres will further strengthen the digital infrastructure of the region, providing local and international businesses with a solid platform for innovation and growth. This new data centre will also be crucial for AFR-IX telecom’s networks, enabling more robust and faster connectivity for our customers. We are delighted to see this initiative come to fruition and look forward to continuing to support the technological development of Senegal and West Africa as a whole.”
• Yankhoba Ndiaye, Managing Director of Dariss Consulting, said: “The launch of the new PAIX Data Centres data centre comes at a crucial time to support the rise of cloud computing in Senegal. This initiative is essential to meet the growing needs for technological infrastructure and to position Senegal as a digital hub in West Africa.

Dariss Consulting is particularly enthusiastic about this ambitious project. Indeed, it will offer us the opportunity to expand the capabilities of our clients, by providing them with more efficient and secure data storage and management solutions. This will significantly contribute to Senegal’s digital sovereignty, by strengthening the country’s autonomy in the management of its data and reducing its dependence on foreign infrastructure.

We are confident that this data center will become a strategic pillar for Senegal’s technological development, supporting local companies in their digital transition and attracting international investment in the information and communication technology sector.”

• Wouter van Hulten, CEO of PAIX Data Centres, says: “PAIX Data Centres’ investment in the PAIX Dakar data center positions it at the crossroads of connectivity between West Africa, Europe and South America. The strong network hub created by the aggregation of multiple submarine cable landing points connecting to terrestrial cables makes Dakar a very attractive gateway. We have received strong interest from our connectivity, CDN, social media and cloud customers looking to serve the emerging markets accessible by these cables. We plan to develop thriving cloud and content magnet hubs in Dakar.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PAIX Data Centres

SC Ventures has invested $ 7 million, while Yabx BV has contributed through technology transfer, resulting in a combined investment of $10 million in Furaha

DAVOS, Switzerland, January 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

• Furaha combines SC Ventures’ global expertise and risk management capability with Yabx’s future-ready tech and alternate lending platform
• Furaha offers purpose-driven loans centred around education, gender and other responsible lending pillars for African markets 

SC Ventures, Standard Chartered’s innovation, fintech investment and ventures arm, and Yabx Technologies (Netherlands) B.V., a company of Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM) group (http://apo-opa.co/42pTSb4), a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, have signed a set of shareholder and technology collaboration agreements to formalise their joint investment in Furaha (www.FurahaFinancial.com). SC Ventures has invested $ 7 million, while Yabx BV has contributed through technology transfer, resulting in a combined investment of $10 million in Furaha. Incubated by SC Ventures, and co-founded by Yustus Aribariho and Ian Fernandes, Furaha is a purpose-driven lending platform aiming to make finance accessible across sub-Saharan Africa, with its first offering being in the education financing space. Furaha is headquartered in UAE’s Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and extending its offerings to local operating markets in Africa, starting with Uganda as its first market.

The partnership will help enhance purpose-driven financing in Africa and supports our work to rewire the DNA in banking

“We are glad to partner with like-minded innovators like Yabx and Tech Mahindra who share our vision of increasing financial inclusion and access. The partnership will help enhance purpose-driven financing in Africa and supports our work to rewire the DNA in banking,” said Alex Manson, CEO, SC Ventures.

“The transformative power of purpose-driven financing lies in its ability to bridge gaps in access and opportunity, particularly in regions like Africa. This strategic partnership aims to make financial solutions more inclusive and impactful. It’s indeed an exciting beginning, and we look forward to collaborating with SC Ventures on many such initiatives that redefine financial empowerment and drive innovation globally,” said Mohit Joshi, CEO and Managing Director, Tech Mahindra.

Africa has the youngest demographics globally with over 600 million children under the age of 18. An education financing platform like Furaha could positively impact families across the continent. Furaha leverages Yabx’s nimble future-ready platform with AI driven alternate lending capabilities, with SC Ventures’ deep understanding of banking and risk management to reduce the cost of delivering purpose-driven lending products and widen financial inclusion across underserved segments in Africa.

“This partnership with SC Ventures is a big moment for Yabx. It marks our first step into the education financing space. The long-term impact of a partnership like this is huge, and we’re excited to work with Furaha as they positively impact education outcomes in Uganda and other African countries  in the coming months,” said Rajat Dayal, CEO, Yabx.

Among the biggest expenses families have to account for is the cost for good quality education for their children. Most parents lack adequate liquidity or access to short-term borrowing instruments — like credit cards or affordable, digital loans — and regularly face challenges paying school fees on time. Delayed or unpaid school fees often results in children unable to continue or complete their education, which impacts their future prospects and importantly the community and country’s development. The challenge is especially acute for parents with monthly incomes under $500.  

Furaha offers a much-needed solution for parents and schools by creating a rich ecosystem of data for credit scoring and enabling commercial banks to channel affordable credit towards education financing. Furaha has started offering loan products in Uganda with partners including Opportunity Bank, SchPay and MTN MoMo and plans are underway to expand to other countries in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Furaha.

Looking ahead to 2025, Canon is poised to capitalize on Africa’s promising landscape by tapping into new markets, innovating products, and engaging emerging customer segments

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, January 22, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) recently held its Annual Kickoff event at the prestigious Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai on January 13, marking a vibrant start to 2025 following the remarkable achievements of the previous year. This annual gathering serves as a pivotal moment for the entire company to come together, reflect on past successes, and energize for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Canon EMEA’s President & CEO, Mr. Yuichi Ishizuka, underscoring the strategic importance of Africa as a key growth market for Canon. Joining him were other distinguished leaders including Mr. Peter Saak, Executive Vice President, Developing Region Business Group. 

This year’s theme builds upon the ICE framework which represents “Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience” — a framework that empowered Canon to expand into new markets, enhance customer connections, and prioritize employee development. This year’s theme emphasizes the value employees show to our customers and partners through our products and technologies. 

Together we will continue building a future that reflects our commitment to creating value and delivering excellence across the region

Africa is at the forefront of global growth, presenting a dynamic blend of opportunity and potential. As one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world, Africa’s GDP is projected to surpass $3 trillion by 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3PLR5BG), driven by a burgeoning young population, rapid urbanization, and investments in infrastructure (https://apo-opa.co/4g7WYUn). Canon recognizes this immense potential and has strategically positioned itself to contribute to this growth. 

Looking ahead to 2025, Canon is poised to capitalize on Africa’s promising landscape by tapping into new markets, innovating products, and engaging emerging customer segments, Canon aims to drive growth through a blend of innovation, customer engagement, and employee empowerment. 

Sharing his vision for the year, Somesh Adukia, Managing Director, Canon Central & North Africa remarked “2025 is a pivotal year for us to tap into the opportunities. By embracing challenges and capitalizing on Africa’s immense potential, we aim to drive meaningful growth through innovation, customer engagement, and empowering our people. Together, we will continue building a future that reflects our commitment to creating value and delivering excellence across the region.” Drawing inspiration from Japanese entrepreneur Momofuku Ando, Somesh emphasized resilience, creativity, customer-centricity, and a proactive mindset as key values guiding Canon’s journey forward. 

The event was more than an occasion for strategic alignment; it also provided a platform for team-building activities, a gala dinner, and an awards ceremony celebrating top-performing employees. The success of the gathering left attendees inspired and committed to Canon’s vision, poised for another year of impactful growth and success across the region. 

With a clear strategic direction, a focus on innovation, and a dedication to delivering value, Canon Central & North Africa looks forward to a year filled with progress, excellence, and meaningful connections. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).