Paratus Mozambique’s Starlink installation is revolutionising connectivity, enhancing education, healthcare and business for 3,500 residents. (Image source: Paratus Group)

As a pan-African leader in telecommunications and network services, Paratus Group is leveraging its infrastructure footprint to invest in education and community development through its Paratus Social Investment (PSI) program

Active in Namibia, Angola, and Zambia, the company is helping bridge the digital divide and deliver learning opportunities to underserved populations.

Digital education reaches over 12,000 Namibian students

In Namibia, Paratus has partnered with Eduvision for over six years to bring digital education to remote schools. Through this collaboration, Paratus has supplied GEO satellite systems, infrastructure, and technical support to enable interactive virtual lessons via VSAT connectivity. The initiative has benefited more than 12,000 students and 471 teachers, from early to senior secondary levels.

“Eduvision is a beacon of educational light, equipping Namibia’s future leaders with essential digital tools and teaching techniques. By providing connectivity to schools in underserved areas, we help unlock the potential of learners and teachers alike,” said Barney Harmse, executive chairman of Paratus.

The Group has pledged to continue supporting Eduvision’s growth by extending services to more schools in 2025, further enhancing digital literacy in the country.

Angola: Golf tournament funds transform schools

In Angola, Internet Technologies Angola, S.A. (a Paratus Group company) continues to uplift communities through its backing of the annual Golf Solidario tournament. The 2024 edition attracted over 350 participants and raised over 25 million Kwanzas to support digital upgrades in two Cabinda-based schools—Complexo Escolar and Instituto Politécnico de Chiazi—impacting around 2,000 students.

Over the years, proceeds from the event have improved IT infrastructure in schools across Angola, benefiting more than 10,000 students.

In November 2024, two new computer labs were opened at Manuel Quarta Punza Polytechnic High School in Uíge Province. Funded by the 10th Solidarity Golf Tournament, the labs will support over 1,500 students from grades 10 to 13. This 30-million Kwanza investment aligns with national priorities for digital inclusion.

These milestones reflect Paratus Group’s strategic focus on harnessing connectivity to empower young learners and support inclusive growth.

Zambia: Fostering cybersecurity talent

Paratus Zambia has doubled down on its commitment to digital skills development by supporting university-level cybersecurity competitions. For a second year, the company sponsored the Digital Safe Limited Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge—an intense, hands-on cybersecurity tournament that engages students in realistic threat scenarios.

Winners of the CTF receive rewards like ISACA student memberships, and for 2025, Paratus Zambia introduced a new incentive—a paid internship for the top performer, providing hands-on experience within the company.

Further reinforcing its commitment, Paratus is also the official connectivity sponsor for the 2025 ABSA Cyberthon, scheduled for November 4–22. It will deliver secure, high-speed wireless internet with firewall protection to ensure smooth competition logistics.

Paratus Zambia is investing K22,500 to offer three internships to top-performing participants—an effort designed to cultivate a local talent pipeline for future Systems and Network Engineers.

“As the official connectivity sponsor, we are assisting future generations in developing critical cybersecurity skills. By supporting competitions like these, we help nurture a skilled pool of cybersecurity professionals that the Zambian industry can rely on. Cybercrime is one of the greatest risks to any business, and although digital technology is always improving, the sophistication of cyber-attacks is also evolving. We need to stay one step ahead,” the company said.

Through long-term education partnerships and targeted investments, Paratus continues to deliver on its mission to connect communities and equip Africa’s youth with the tools to succeed in a digital future.

Also read: How is Paratus Namibia expanding Eduvision?

Vertiv unveils 132kW modular DC power system for AI, HPC, and OCP-aligned data centre efficiency. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has introduced the Vertiv PowerDirect Rack, a 1U high-density 50V DC power shelf built to meet the power demands of advanced AI and high-performance computing (HPC) environments

Designed for scalability, the modular system can deliver up to 132kW per rack by stacking multiple shelves, allowing data centres to increase capacity without increasing space usage. Available worldwide, the Vertiv PowerDirect Rack delivers double the power in the same footprint compared to traditional solutions.

Powering AI infrastructure

Engineered for Open Compute Project (OCP) ORv3 High Power Rack (HPR) environments, this high-density DC power shelf enhances operational efficiency by reducing energy loss and simplifying data centre infrastructure. It supports flexible AC and high-voltage DC (HVDC) inputs, includes real-time monitoring capabilities, and offers modular expandability—making it easier for IT teams to scale without adding complexity or space, unlike conventional AC UPS systems with separate rectifiers and power distribution or less dense DC options.

Kyle Keeper, senior vice-president of the power business unit at Vertiv, said, “Today’s data centres face increasing pressure to deliver more power in less space while supporting the rapid growth of AI and HPC applications. Vertiv PowerDirect Rack addresses these challenges with a scalable, energy-efficient DC power design that equips operators with the flexibility to adapt to evolving workload demands and build future-ready infrastructure.”

Optimised for performance and adaptability, the PowerDirect Rack streamlines power management while increasing data centre energy efficiency. Its core advantages include:

• Up to 132kW per rack with N+N redundancy, ideal for high-density systems with a compact, scalable layout

• Peak energy efficiency of 97.5%, helping reduce power loss, cooling needs, and operational expenses

• Dual input compatibility (AC and HVDC) for easy integration into a variety of power systems

• Hot-swappable modular components, enabling continuous operation and seamless scaling

• Advanced monitoring and built-in protections to ensure reliability and uninterrupted service

This system extends Vertiv’s comprehensive portfolio of power and cooling solutions that are accelerating the deployment of AI and HPC infrastructure.

Also read: Vertiv pioneers next-gen liquid cooling services

Raxio Group, with IFC funding, accelerates expansion of high-quality data centres across Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Raxio Group, a prominent data centre provider in Sub-Saharan Africa, has secured US$100mn in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group

This funding will drive Raxio's expansion of facilities supporting key technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and digital financial services, all of which are vital for Africa’s economic growth and digital inclusion.

The investment from IFC will help Raxio double the number of its high-quality colocation data centers over the next three years, addressing increasing demand in underserved markets across the continent. The company is building a regional data centre network in Sub-Saharan Africa, with locations in countries such as Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, and Angola.

Raxio is focused on closing Africa’s digital gap by providing Tier III-certified, carrier-neutral, and secure data services to markets previously overlooked by other providers. With a strategic emphasis on high-growth regions, the company is tapping into areas with substantial economic potential, creating new opportunities throughout the continent.

“Raxio’s business model shows how digital infrastructure can empower businesses, governments and communities to thrive in the digital economy,” said Sarvesh Suri, IFC regional industry director for infrastructure and natural resources in Africa. “This partnership between Raxio and IFC is set to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem and catalyse further investments and regional integration, building a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

IFC’s financing builds upon previous debt funding from Proparco and the Emerging Africa Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), along with equity investments from Roha Group and Meridiam. IFC’s commitment includes concessional funding from the GROW Facility, aimed at advancing gender equity and inclusive economic growth through blended finance, and the IDA Private Sector Window, which supports private investment in the world’s most fragile and poorest markets. With this endorsement, Raxio is poised to accelerate its expansion while maintaining top-tier standards of reliability, scalability, and sustainability.

“This funding from IFC is a powerful endorsement of Raxio’s vision and operational excellence,” remarked Robert Skjødt, CEO of Raxio Group. “It will enable us to provide critical infrastructure to the regions that need it most and attract further investment as we continue to expand. Along with our partners, we’re laying the groundwork for Africa’s digital future and setting new standards for sustainability.”

Raxio’s facilities are built for 24/7 reliability, ensuring uninterrupted service even during maintenance or unexpected disruptions. The company also integrates renewable energy solutions to reduce its environmental impact, employing energy-efficient equipment to minimise electricity and water usage for cooling in several of its operational countries.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Raxio’s Kinshasa facility is set to address the growing demand for data services in one of Africa’s largest and fastest-expanding urban centers. Meanwhile, in Côte d'Ivoire, Raxio is creating a digital hub to serve Francophone West Africa, connecting regional markets and facilitating cross-border trade. These initiatives are empowering local businesses and integrating them into the global digital economy.

Founded in 2018 by Roha Group, Raxio has rapidly emerged as a leading regional data centre provider in Sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing the continent’s critical need for reliable and scalable digital infrastructure, Raxio plays a central role in Africa’s digital transformation. With the support of IFC, Raxio is positioned to strengthen its leadership in the Sub-Saharan African data centre sector.

To mark the occasion, Bruce Owen, president of EMEA at Equinix, led a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly expanded facility alongside other Equinix executives. (Image source: Equinix)

Equinix, Inc., a global leader in digital infrastructure, has officially launched its latest data centre expansion in Lagos

Known as LG2.3, the new facility will bolster Nigeria’s digital transformation, offering cutting-edge colocation and secure interconnection solutions to empower businesses across the region

This expansion underscores Equinix’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s role in the global digital economy.

To mark the occasion, Bruce Owen, president of EMEA at Equinix, led a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly expanded facility alongside other Equinix executives. The event also included an official visit to the Governor of Lagos State and a customer engagement session, where key industry leaders gathered to discuss Equinix’s contributions to digital transformation. The event provided an opportunity for customers and partners to engage directly with Owen and explore how Equinix’s solutions foster innovation and enhance business agility in the region.

Additionally, Equinix executives participated in a tree-planting ceremony, symbolising the company’s commitment to sustainability. This initiative reflects Equinix’s broader goal of reducing its carbon footprint and integrating environmentally friendly practices across its global operations.

"Nigeria is a crucial market for Equinix. Today’s opening is a clear demonstration of our continued commitments to invest and grow digital infrastructure that will benefit the many thousands of businesses in Nigeria and on the continent as a whole. I am deeply encouraged by the enthusiastic partnerships and innovations emerging from this dynamic region, which continue to inspire our commitment to Nigeria’s digital and sustainable future," remarked Owen.

Wole Abu, managing director of Equinix West Africa, highlighted, "Data centres continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic development in Nigeria, serving as critical infrastructure that supports digital transformation and economic growth. As governments and enterprises increasingly acknowledge their significance, global demand for data centre capacity is poised to rise. While Africa’s demand for data solutions is still evolving compared to more mature markets, the continent is demonstrating strong potential for digital adoption and innovation. To meet this growing need, Equinix is actively advancing three major data centre projects in Nigeria, with future expansion plans for Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa."