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.

MTN partners with Mimosa, CBNLA to transform broadband access across 14 African markets

Mimosa Networks, a prominent global provider of wireless broadband solutions, has announced a new strategic partnership with Cambridge Broadband Networks Africa Limited (CBNLA) to deliver its acclaimed product portfolio to MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator

Through this collaboration, CBNLA will facilitate access to Mimosa’s high-performance fixed wireless products and services across all MTN locations.

This initiative allows MTN to deploy Mimosa’s wireless broadband solutions to its 288 million customers in 14 African countries.

MTN, with a vast customer base spanning multiple African markets, plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital connectivity across both urban centres and underserved rural areas. The integration of Mimosa’s cost-effective wireless technology, offering fiber-like speeds — supports MTN’s commitment to delivering faster, more reliable broadband access across the continent.

The agreement between Mimosa and CBNLA ensures MTN has streamlined access to a full range of Mimosa’s products, including high-capacity backhaul systems, access points, and client radios. These solutions operate over unlicensed spectrum, enabling rapid network expansion without the limitations of traditional infrastructure. As a regional service partner and systems integrator, CBNLA will assist MTN in efficiently deploying these solutions across diverse market conditions, supporting the growing demand for broadband and improving overall network performance.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with MTN and CBNLA to expand broadband access across Africa,” said Jim Nevelle, senior vice-president and general manager of Mimosa Networks. “This partnership aligns with our goal of delivering high-speed, affordable connectivity to both established and underserved regions, creating new opportunities for economic growth and digital inclusion.”

This collaboration marks a significant step in Mimosa’s broader strategy to expand affordable, high-speed broadband throughout Africa by working alongside major network operators and infrastructure partners.

IHS Nigeria teams up with NSCDC to protect telecom towers and fibre infrastructure nationwide

IHS Nigeria – a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited, one of the world’s largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure by tower count – has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enhance the protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria

IHS Nigeria, which manages more than 16,000 towers and has deployed over 15,000 km of fibre in the country, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the NSCDC – the national agency responsible for safeguarding vital information infrastructure. This agreement aims to combat persistent issues like vandalism and theft at tower sites and along fibre routes, while reinforcing both organisations’ shared commitment to protecting Nigeria’s communications backbone.

Under the MoU, IHS Nigeria and the NSCDC will collaborate to develop and execute strategies that bolster the safety of IHS Nigeria’s network and other critical telecom infrastructure protected under Nigerian law. The NSCDC will provide support in surveillance, emergency response, and incident reporting, and assist with tower decommissioning and the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those found damaging telecom assets.

“At IHS we are key enablers of connectivity, and this partnership with the NSCDC is for us an important step towards enhancing the resilience, reliability and availability of telecommunications connectivity in Nigeria, commented Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria. “By working closely with the NSCDC, which enforces the law that designates telecommunication towers as critical national information infrastructure, we aim to create a safer and more secure environment for our operations, including our infrastructure, and more importantly, ensure better quality of service for all users in Nigeria.”

Ahmad Abubakar, commandant general, NSCDC, stated, “The Corp has a mandate to safeguard critical national infrastructure, and IHS Nigeria’s extensive telecommunications assets and network falls squarely within this mandate. We consider IHS to be a strategic partner whose infrastructure is essential to the operations of many organizations across the country. We aim to provide a heightened level of operational excellence and support, focused on securing telecommunications infrastructure more effectively than ever before. Our doors remain open for collaboration, and we look forward to working even more closely with IHS Nigeria.”

OMEA and IFC unite to develop sustainable digital infrastructure in eight African countries. (Image source: IFC)

Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) has entered a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to boost access to digital services across eight African nations

The agreement was formalised during the Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan on 12–13 May.

Focusing on underserved regions in West and Central Africa, this alliance aims to enhance digital inclusion and sustainability. It combines OMEA’s regional expertise and infrastructure with IFC’s development financing capabilities. Over the coming years, the collaboration will support the rollout of key telecom infrastructure, including towers and fibre networks.

The initiative builds on IFC’s prior involvement in the sector, such as its support for West Africa’s first telecom securitisation operation and its provision of sustainable financing to Sonatel. These efforts, valued at around US$75mn in 2024, have already strengthened Senegal’s digital infrastructure by expanding 4G and fibre coverage, particularly in rural areas.

Through this partnership, OMEA and IFC aim to establish a scalable investment model that bridges the digital divide, fosters financial inclusion, enhances regional resilience, and generates employment—especially in the digital sector.

“This partnership with IFC is a major step in accelerating our ambition to reduce the digital gap by offering quality, sustainable, and accessible connectivity to as many people as possible, especially in rural or underserved areas. By combining our strengths, we aim to build a more equitable digital future for everyone in Africa,” said Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa.

“Increasing access to digital connectivity in Africa is a key priority to foster innovation, expand financial inclusion, and create jobs. Strengthening our partnership with Orange Middle East and Africa demonstrates our commitment to positioning digital technology as a strategic lever for sustainable economic transformation, benefiting individuals and businesses,” added Ethiopis Tafara, IFC vice-president for Africa.