A $300 million deal has been signed between Africa Data Centres and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as part of a commitment to strengthen the digital economy in Ghana and Africa.
The deal highlights the key role that technology will play in ensuring that Ghana continues its upward trajectory of becoming a digital economy.
Africa and Africa Data Centres will mobilise part of its existing DFC-financing commitment of $300 million to construct a first-of-its-kind data centre in Ghana; The investment is part of the organisation’s plan to strengthen ICT infrastructure in Africa; opening doors to the new data centre facility reiterates the Ghanaian government’s intention to cultivate the potential of the country’s technology industry.
“Africa Data Centres, a business of Cassava Technologies group, is pleased to announce that it has signed a statement reaffirming its ongoing partnership to strengthen ICT infrastructure in Africa with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The statement marks DFC’s continued interest in supporting Africa Data Centres’ expansion in countries eligible for DFC financing, including Ghana, where Africa Data Centres intends to mobilise funds from its existing DFC financing commitment of $300 million to develop a first-of-its-kind data centre that will provide up to 30MW of IT load,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies in a statement.
According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies, “Over the past decade, Ghana has embarked on a transformative journey, and one area that is seeing significant focus is its burgeoning technology sector. With a youthful and dynamic population, a government that provides support, and a thriving startup ecosystem, Ghana is well-positioned to emerge as a prominent technology hub within the next five years.”
Also, DFC CEO Scott Nathan said, “DFC’s support for Africa Data Centres is a demonstration of our commitment to 21st-century infrastructure, and the United States’ commitment to supporting safe, secure, and trusted ICT infrastructure that connects communities to the global marketplace opportunities. Markets with trusted technology and dependable data storage can become magnets for businesses that create jobs and opportunities in high-growth sectors. As this planned facility becomes operational, it will help to enable development and economic growth for communities across Ghana.”
Ghana must continue attracting investment in infrastructure to secure its position as an up-and-coming technology hub in the coming five years. This statement is a step towards achieving this objective. Leaders from the DFC, Africa Data Centres, and the government celebrated their ongoing commitment to strengthen ICT infrastructure in Ghana.
With this statement, Africa Data Centres has reiterated its ethos of leaving no African behind. Ghana will benefit enormously from the new data centre, as it will allow for locally generated data not to leave the country’s borders. Additionally, local data centres will attract even more investment from international digital entities to help the country achieve its digital ambitions.
Public Private Partnerships are integral to all economies’ overall development and expansion. This partnership between Africa Data Centres and DFC highlights the key role that technology will play in ensuring that Ghana continues its upward trajectory of becoming a digital economy. “The Ghanaian government has astutely recognised the potential of the technology industry and has taken proactive measures to ensure its growth,” concluded Pemhiwa.