Schneider Electric has partnered with Nairobi-based IXAfrica Data Centres to launch of East Africa’s first and largest hypercloud data centre, NBOX1. It is going to be the most advanced AI-ready, carrier-neutral facility that will act as the most advanced digital hub in the region, providing services comparable to those offered in North America and Western Europe.
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Ensures Resilience and Efficiency
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centers architecture is used in NBOX1, ensuring the highest level of resilience, uptime, and cost efficiency. This platform provides enhanced security and aligns with sustainability goals that IXAfrica has laid down for the data centre to meet current and future demands.
Positioned for Innovation in the ‘Digital Savannah’
With a $50 million investment by Helios, IXAfrica’s data centre is squarely situated in Africa’s ‘Digital Savannah’. Powered by a skilled workforce and diversified internet connectivity, this region has a population of over 300 million people and is fast becoming an innovation hub. According to the CEO of IXAfrica, Snehar Shah, Kenya is ready for hypercloud solutions against the backdrop of a semi-advanced cloud adoption, a stable regulatory environment, and robust growth in the economy.
Ensuring 99.999% Uptime with Schneider Electric Solutions
IXAfrica partnered with Schneider Electric to ensure that Ixiafricacom reliable IT operations are sustained through an end-to-end power train solution, setting apart the power protection and distribution equipment, transformers, switchgear, and basic building management. These solutions have been engineered to meet IEC standards and designed in accordance with Kenya’s peculiar grid and environmental conditions, ensuring that NBOX1 meets its 99.999% uptime guarantee.
Sustainability at the Core
Designed as a ‘Data Centre of the Future’, NBOX1 integrates Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform to optimize performance and resource efficiency while minimizing CO2 emissions. With respect to this, Mouna Essa Egh, Vice President of Secure Power for the Middle East & Africa, has taken a strong viewpoint toward the need for implementing sustainable practices in the data centre industry.
According to Snehar Shah, the NBOX1 site—built on former Schneider Electric land—is indicative of this relationship. In keeping with their strategic relationship, the project keeps it ‘Keep it Africa’ with locally manufactured switchgear and panelware.