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Renewable energy powers 5G rollout in Sierra Leone

SierraLeone's_first_site_with_solar_panels

CrossBoundary Energy is powering the project's first sites with solar PV, battery, and generator solutions, providing 99.9% uptime while reducing fossil fuel emissions. (Image source: CrossBoundary Energy)

Zoodlabs, a telecommunications company based in Sierra Leone, has announced that it is using renewable energy to support the deployment of one of the country’s first 5G data networks

The announcement was made during the Digital Government Summit held in Freetown.

As part of this initiative, CrossBoundary Energy is providing clean energy infrastructure for the initial rollout, which includes a mix of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage, and generator backup systems. These solutions are designed to deliver 99.9% uptime while simultaneously cutting down on emissions from fossil fuels. CrossBoundary Energy is also financing five of the towers to accelerate deployment.

Oliver Benham, director of operations for telecom solutions at CrossBoundary Energy, explained, “Our solution is designed to maximize uptime whilst increasing renewable energy penetration and minimising diesel generator usage. The effect is that telecom operators like Zoodlabs have a reliable, affordable, and cleaner way of powering their network that does not rely on utility energy supply or fossil fuels.”

The introduction of 5G technology is set to dramatically improve data speeds, reduce latency, and enhance device connectivity across Sierra Leone. With broadband penetration currently at just 20.7%, this wireless rollout will bypass the need for traditional cable infrastructure, helping bridge the digital divide for individuals and enterprises in the capital city.

David Kapkima, CEO at Zoodlabs, noted, “5G is not just about faster phones—it’s a foundational technology for smart cities, autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, and businesses that rely on IoT. CrossBoundary Energy’s specialised knowledge in solar energy solutions has enabled Zoodlabs to power this infrastructure sustainably.”

The first 5G towers have already been installed in Freetown, and Zoodlabs plans to extend the network’s reach across the rest of Sierra Leone in future phases.

Vertiv unveils advanced liquid cooling solutions

Vertiv introduces CoolChip CDU range to boost AI, HPC cooling across EMEA data centres. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv has announced the expansion of its CoolChip CDU product line with the launch of three new models—CoolChip CDU 70, CoolChip CDU 100, and CoolChip CDU 600—across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

These direct-to-chip liquid cooling solutions strengthen Vertiv’s offering in AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. The CoolChip CDU 600 will be unveiled for the first time in EMEA at the Datacloud Global Congress in Cannes this week.

“As workloads continue to drive higher rack densities and cooling demands, customers need liquid cooling solutions that adapt to their unique deployment strategies, whether retrofitting an existing environment or scaling a new build,” said Sam Bainborough, vice-president, EMEA thermal business at Vertiv. “The CoolChip CDU family offers flexible, scalable solutions that simplify deployment and support long-term growth. By reducing integration complexity and adapting to a range of data centre environments, these CDUs help organisations scale liquid cooling more efficiently.”

Why liquid cooling?

The new models are designed for both retrofit and greenfield environments and include in-rack and row-based configurations with liquid-to-air and liquid-to-liquid technology options. These systems provide scalable and flexible liquid cooling solutions to meet growing capacity requirements and support the wider adoption of liquid cooling.

The CoolChip CDU range forms part of Vertiv’s broader liquid cooling portfolio and the 360AI suite, which integrates power, cooling, and services to address the unique demands of AI infrastructure. Supported by global liquid cooling services that include design, installation, commissioning, fluid management, and maintenance, the portfolio accommodates a broad set of use cases, from upgrading existing sites to deploying high-density AI and HPC clusters in new facilities.

The CoolChip CDU 70 is a liquid-to-air in-row unit that enables a quick and cost-effective introduction of liquid cooling in both new and retrofitted data centres. It leverages existing thermal infrastructure, making it suitable for facilities aiming to adopt liquid cooling with minimal disruption. With a cooling capacity of up to 70 kW, the system is engineered for agility and scalability, reducing secondary fluid network complexity and overall infrastructure footprint. Its integrated controller enables real-time monitoring, group control, and communication between units for coordinated performance and streamlined management across racks.

The CoolChip CDU 100 delivers high-performance, liquid-to-liquid in-rack cooling in a compact 4U design, making it ideal for managing dense workloads in individual racks. This model allows data centre operators to roll out or expand liquid cooling one rack at a time, which is particularly useful for AI pilots or incremental scaling without major infrastructure changes. Offering up to 100 kW of cooling, the system includes a large-surface heat exchanger for low approach temperatures and features such as an integrated controller for monitoring and control, precise ±1°C temperature regulation, fluid filtration, and separation between facility and IT fluid loops for secure and efficient operation.

The CoolChip CDU 600 is a liquid-to-liquid in-row unit delivering 600 kW of cooling capacity, tailored for high-density AI and HPC applications in hyperscale and colocation environments. Its modular design supports in-row deployment with top or bottom piping options and optional internal manifolds, enabling faster planning and implementation. With redundant pumps, advanced temperature and fluid quality monitoring, and deployment flexibility, the CDU 600 is built to offer the performance, reliability, and transparency needed to scale liquid cooling in demanding IT environments.

Wingu Africa secures funding for expansion

Wingu Africa expands data centres to power East Africa’s connectivity

Wingu Africa, East Africa’s leading carrier-neutral data centre operator, has secured US$60mn in funding to boost its expansion efforts and drive digital transformation across the continent

The investment, provided by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), a top-tier African corporate and investment bank, will fund the deployment of advanced infrastructure in key regional markets, responding to the growing need for secure and interconnected digital services.

The company, which already supports over 40 premium clients—including major telecom operators, hyperscale cloud providers, content platforms, and financial firms—designs its facilities with robust power, cooling, and security features, ensuring reliability for high-demand digital workloads.

“This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it’s an investment in Africa’s digital independence,” stated Anthony Voscarides, Group CEO at Wingu. “We’re expanding the capacity that will empower innovation, accelerate economic growth, and connect Africa to the future.”

Expanding digital infrastructure

Wingu is actively growing its footprint in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, reinforcing its role as a critical enabler of hyperscale, enterprise, and cloud connectivity across East Africa.

Recent developments include the commissioning of its second data centre in Djibouti, which features the nation’s first fully integrated cable landing station and colocation facility. Combined, Wingu’s two sites offer redundancy and direct access to 12 active submarine cables, with more to be added. Another highlight is the debut of the AMS-IX Djibouti internet exchange, launched in partnership with AMS-IX to build on the DjIX infrastructure.

In Ethiopia, Wingu’s Tier III-certified campus is home to the ADDIX internet exchange, laying strong foundations for content and cloud distribution. Meanwhile, in Tanzania, the company is expanding its Dar es Salaam campus, tripling its capacity and rolling out next-gen infrastructure, including enhanced links to subsea cable systems, to cater to surging cloud and enterprise demands.

Wingu’s offering extends beyond colocation services. It delivers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Cloud as a Service (CaaS), and satellite teleport solutions, enabling customers to access scalable, low-latency environments that grow with their needs. Leading digital infrastructure providers such as Bayobab Africa and Cloudflare are already leveraging Wingu’s platform to deliver essential services across the region.

“The mission is clear: to build the digital backbone of Africa,” said Demos Kyriacou, Deputy CEO, chief operating officer and co-founder. “We’re delivering at scale, with neutrality, trust, and vision, enabling the continent’s digital sovereignty and future growth.”

Corrie Cronje, senior transactor at RMB, remarked, “RMB is proud to support Wingu Africa’s commitment to advancing digital growth across the continent. By financing the deployment of essential digital infrastructure throughout East Africa we are investing in a connected future for all.”

New remittance pathway unlocks financial inclusion in Mali

TerraPay partners with Wave Mobile Money to expand seamless cross-border remittances into Mali

TerraPay, a global digital payments company, has entered a strategic partnership with Wave Mobile Money, a leading mobile financial service provider in Mali, to streamline cross-border remittances across West Africa

The initiative enables Malians to receive money from abroad, directly into their Wave mobile wallets, making international money transfers faster, more convenient, and more affordable.

Remittances made easier?

The collaboration expands TerraPay’s international payment infrastructure to facilitate seamless remittances from multiple Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) in the US, Canada, and Europe into Mali. By connecting Wave’s local mobile money ecosystem with TerraPay’s global reach, the integration provides instant access to remittance funds for millions of users in Mali. It also contributes to reducing reliance on informal channels and strengthens financial inclusion across the country.

With over 80% of Mali’s population using mobile phones, and many relying on mobile money and digital wallets, mobile platforms play a central role in advancing financial access. In a region where traditional banking remains out of reach for many, services like Wave Mobile Money are critical to delivering affordable and secure financial tools.

"We are excited to join forces with Orabank Mali and TerraPay to revolutionise payment solutions and enhance financial accessibility for our customers," said Karamokho Badiane, regional head of business development at Wave Mobile Money. "This strategic collaboration allows us to harness TerraPay's global payments infrastructure alongside Orabank Mali's deep expertise in remittance services, empowering us to expand our reach and provide even greater value to our users. Our shared commitment to financial inclusion will help break down barriers and offer more accessible solutions for individuals across the country. With TerraPay's cutting-edge technology ensuring safe and reliable money transfers, we are confident that this initiative will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and financial empowerment."

Willie Kanyeki, vice-president – Sub Sahara Africa at TerraPay, added, "Our partnership with Wave Mobile Money marks a significant milestone in our mission to power borderless money movement. By enabling instant, cost-effective, and fully compliant remittances from key markets like the US, Canada, and Europe, we are simplifying financial access and driving financial inclusion in Mali."

Together, TerraPay and Wave Mobile Money are reshaping the remittance landscape, making it easier for Malians abroad to support their families, while advancing the role of mobile money in West Africa’s economic development.

Vertiv launches advanced PowerSwitch 7000 for reliability

Vertiv strengthens power solutions portfolio with PowerSwitch 7000. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, has introduced the Vertiv PowerSwitch 7000, a new generation static transfer switch that enhances the company’s power solutions lineup

This system extends Vertiv’s end-to-end offerings designed to support the accelerating demands of the digital world across key sectors such as data centres, financial services, and manufacturing. Now available across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the PowerSwitch 7000 delivers improved power reliability, helping organisations avoid costly operational disruptions.

The PowerSwitch 7000 is engineered to operate downstream from redundant uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems in reserve bus and dual-bus power configurations. It ensures uninterrupted power for mission-critical facilities, including colocation and enterprise data centres, by enabling seamless, automatic transitions between independent power sources. The solution supports both single-corded and dual-corded loads, adding an extra layer of protection, while its internally redundant design helps eliminate single points of failure.

Seamless power protection

“Power protection and reliability are increasingly critical concerns for data centre operators, especially when planning for computing growth,” said Greg Hoge, product management global director at Vertiv. “By combining reliable switching, operational flexibility, maintenance simplicity, and intelligent diagnostics, Vertiv PowerSwitch 7000 sets a high standard for operational excellence in power switching technology for even the most demanding data centre applications.”

The system includes several new serviceability features, such as a compartmentalised structure that isolates high-voltage areas from maintenance zones to enhance operator safety. The front-access setup enables maintenance without service disruption, reducing downtime and preserving continuous power flow. Additional flexible installation options, like top and bottom cable entry, make it suitable for both raised and non-raised floor settings. The design also includes modular Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs), hot-swappable fan units, and tool-free air filters to ensure efficient servicing and consistent operation.

A 9-inch colour touchscreen control panel mounted on the unit offers advanced waveform capture capabilities. This feature allows the system to act as a diagnostic tool by capturing high-frequency power data during transfer events, which supports detailed root cause analysis. Facility managers can easily monitor system performance locally, while secure remote access is available via the Intellislot RDU120 communication card, which meets UL2900-1 cybersecurity standards.

The PowerSwitch 7000 integrates seamlessly with Vertiv’s range of power management products, such as UPS systems and power distribution units, to deliver a cohesive power protection ecosystem. The solution is backed by Vertiv Global Services, which offers a global team of experts and a full suite of project, lifecycle, and digital services designed to maximise system uptime and performance.