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Tag: and Africa (EMEA)

  • Vertiv Supports Nxtra’S Expansion in the African Market with Large-Scale Colo Data Centre Network Project in Nigeria

    Vertiv Supports Nxtra’S Expansion in the African Market with Large-Scale Colo Data Centre Network Project in Nigeria

     Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, is extending its collaboration with Airtel Africa through Nxtra, their Data Center division. Starting with Nigeria, this collaboration is a first step in Nxtra’s strategic objective of establishing one of the largest high-capacity data centre networks in Africa, strategically located in major cities and bolstered by its extensive operations experience in India.

    “Nxtra has been a valued customer for nearly three decades,” said Karsten Winther, president of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for Vertiv. “This next chapter in our collaboration demonstrates the power of combining local support in Africa with international manufacturing and innovation.”

    “As we invest into high capacity, high quality data centers for Africa, it was crucial to partner with a vendor who combines global capabilities with strong local presence,” said Yash Issur, CEO of Nxtra by Airtel Africa. “Vertiv’s extensive multinational expertise, coupled with their established service team in Africa, provides us the reliability and support we need. We’re particularly pleased to name Vertiv as a main vendor for the first project in Nigeria and extend a collaboration ranging from India to Africa.” 

    Planned growth across Africa

    The Nigerian facility of 42 megawatts (MW) of capacity will be completed in a four-phase rollout process, expected to be fully operational by 2028. Vertiv will provide thermal management solutions and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems with batteries for the project, marking the start of a three-year rollout across Africa that will deliver energy-efficient, scalable, and reliable infrastructure. Vertiv will also provide commissioning, handover, and five years of maintenance services supported by its established Nigerian service team. This enables Nxtra’s facilities to have strong on-the-ground support for long-term operations.

    Says Wojtek Piorko, managing director for Africa at Vertiv: “Africa’s growing, data-hungry population is a key driver of digital growth on the continent, and more data centres are required to meet this demand. Our collaboration in Africa with Nxtra marks an important milestone in strengthening Africa’s critical digital infrastructure. Together, we are bringing proven global expertise and advanced technology into Nigeria and beyond.”

    In addition to the Nigerian site, Vertiv is also working with Nxtra on forward-looking projects in the markets where Airtel Africa operates, with the Nairobi-based operation anticipated to surpass the Nigerian site in scale.

  • Vertiv Inaugurates New Academy Centre in Frankfurt

    Vertiv Inaugurates New Academy Centre in Frankfurt

    …New facility to train EMEA engineers to meet the growing demands of the AI-driven digital infrastructure

    Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, has announced the opening of its new Vertiv Academy training centre in Frankfurt, Germany. Strategically located in one of Europe’s most connected cities, the new facility will enhance technical training, service innovation, and customer engagement across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (the DACH region), developing the next generation of engineers ready for an era increasingly shaped by AI and automation. The inauguration of the Academy brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and Vertiv executives to celebrate this new chapter in digital infrastructure and service excellence.

    The innovative training centre features specialised training zones equipped with the latest critical infrastructure systems, enabling hands-on experience with thermal management, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and switchgear technologies. The facility provides practical learning environments where Vertiv customer engineers from the area can benefit from scenario-based exercises and fault simulations that mirror real-world conditions, enabling faster response times and reduced service risks. Vertiv currently has more than 100 certification and educational courses available to increase capabilities in servicing and maintaining power, cooling and other critical digital infrastructure systems.

    “The opening of our Frankfurt Academy marks a fundamental step in our regional strategy, reinforcing Vertiv’s commitment to deliver best-in-class service and customer support,” said Karsten Winther, president for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). “This key location will enable us to better serve the European market through faster knowledge transfer and enhanced service delivery for next-generation infrastructure. These efforts underscore our focus on empowering talent, advancing workforce development, and driving engineering and service excellence in the region.”

    “In the AI era, services are more critical than ever. This Academy represents a strategic investment in people – our teams, partners, and customers.” adds Phil Cullerton, vice president of Services EMEA at Vertiv. “At the heart of every great service experience is a well-trained individual, and by nurturing talent and building expertise, we’re developing a stronger, more resilient service ecosystem for the AI-driven world.” 

    Established in 2007, Vertiv Academy comprises 15 training locations across EMEA, including two main hubs in Italy: Bologna for power systems and Tognana for thermal management, contributing to total of 30 learning centres and academies worldwide. Each facility provides Vertiv engineers, channel partners, and aspiring professionals with immersive, hands-on training using real equipment, providing a valuable opportunity for first-hand experience in field service and solution deployment, covering the latest innovations in power systems, thermal management, and AI-ready solutions.  

    The Vertiv Academy delivers specialised courses led by certified technical trainers, following a standardised curriculum developed by Vertiv’s Global Learning Centre of Excellence. The programme combines online pre-learning, interactive classroom instruction, and structured field training tailored to local and regional needs. The Academy also supports Vertiv’s broader talent development initiatives, helping to build a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s digital economy and the AI factory of the future.

    Engineers, industry professionals, and business leaders are invited to explore the Vertiv Academy to see how Vertiv is shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

  • Nigeria’s Healthtracka selected for the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health Programme

    Nigeria’s Healthtracka selected for the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health Programme

    …This year’s program features 24 startups tackling a wide range of healthcare challenges using AI, from early cancer detection and chronic disease management to mental health support and clinical trial optimization.

    Google for Startups has announced that 24 startups have been selected for the 2024 cohort of the Growth Academy: AI for Health programme. The program is designed to support high-potential startups across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) that are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise healthcare and medical research.

    Among the selected startups are Nigeria’s Healthtracka, Kenya’s Thalia Psychotherapy and TibuHealth, and South Africa’s Zoie Health. These companies exemplify the potential of AI to address pressing healthcare challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, advancing mental health integration, providing accessible outpatient services, and delivering affordable healthcare to underserved populations.

    According to the World Health Organization, more than 116 million  people across Africa were already estimated to be living with mental health conditions pre-pandemic and as things stand, there are fewer than two mental health workers for every 100,000 people. Thalia Psychotherapy’s AI-powered chatbot provides initial assessments and therapy sessions, increasing access to mental health support in a region with a critical shortage of mental health professionals. TibuHealth, on the other hand, delivers affordable outpatient services via “minute clinics” in partner pharmacies in high-density neighbourhoods.

    Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Africa, said: “We are committed to supporting the growth of innovative startups, particularly those that are leveraging AI to address critical healthcare challenges. The Growth Academy: AI for Health program is a testament to this commitment, and we are excited to see the impact these startups will have on the future of healthcare.”

    The three-month program will provide participants with intensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Startups will benefit from workshops on best practices for AI, leadership development, responsible innovation, product design, and customer acquisition. Additionally, Google experts from Research, Health, Verily, Fitbit, and DeepMind will offer one-on-one mentorship sessions and technical project support.

    Below are the participating startups, representing 13 countries from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and how they’re using AI models and technology to improve patient care and advance medical research:

    • Aide (United Kingdom) is a digital service that helps patients and clinicians better understand and manage chronic disease, specifically comorbidity.
    • AmplifAI (Saudi Arabia) combines AI driven thermography and computer vision to create a standardised and objective assessment for diabetic foot ulcers.
    • Biorce (Portugal) is developing solutions to enhance clinical trials through the power of AI, having created Jarvis, a clinical AI assistant.
    • C the Signs (United Kingdom) is an AI cancer prediction platform that helps identify patients at risk of cancer at its earliest and most curable stages.
    • Callyope (France) develops speech-based remote patient monitoring solutions that help caretakers assess treatment efficacy and detect relapses in serious mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
    • Clear.bio (Netherlands) works to reverse diabetes type 2 by precision nutrition, providing best in class digital therapeutic based on real-time glucometry.
    • Ephion Health (Spain) develops digital biomarkers to ensure accurate disease monitoring and therapy assessment, through wearables data, clinical reports and AI for precise patient assessment.
    • Exakt Health (Germany) is a certified medical app for physiotherapy and evidence-based training with hyper-personalised treatment plans.
    • FiveLives (France) is a digital brain health platform for people aged 50+ to take control of their cognitive health, through combining clinically-validated brain health assessment and an engaging coaching program.
    • Healthtracka (Nigeria) is decentralising access to healthcare in Africa through remote medical diagnostics, connecting users with a seamless way to access at-home lab tests, receive clear results and doctors consultations.
    • HearMe (Poland) supports employees’ mental health through anonymous and secure 1:1 sessions with mental health professionals.
    • Juniver (United Kingdom) delivers on-demand help for eating disorders, with AI-powered interventions for urges, evidence-based education, personalised tools, peer support and telemedicine.
    • Mindgram (Poland) is a platform offering a holistic solution providing employees and their relatives with psychological and self-development support around the clock.
    • Motherbeing (Egypt) is a digital solution dedicated to Arab women’s sexual and reproductive health. The platform connects users with doctors, experts, personalised health education and an AI-powered health assistant.
    • Noah Labs (Germany) develops voice-based machine learning software for the early detection of decompensated heart failure.
    • Nui (Germany) is an app providing family caregivers with support through an intelligent chatbot that provides guidance to find answers to the most pressing questions.
    • O7 Therapy (Egypt) bridges the treatment gap with cutting-edge tech and top-tier mental health professionals. The O7 Therapy app offers instant, anonymous support via encrypted Chat, Audio and Video Sessions.
    • Powerful Medical (Slovakia) revolutionises cardiovascular diagnostics with its AI-driven platform, enabling healthcare professionals across the EU and beyond to diagnose and manage 39 cardiovascular conditions.
    • Research Grid (United Kingdom) is an automation engine enabling faster, more successful clinical trials by engineering smart software that safely automates back office admin across the full lifecycle.
    • Rofim (France) specialises in developing telemedicine software. The Rofim platform is a telemedicine platform designed to connect patients with healthcare professionals, enable diagnosis and improve access to care.
    • SYCAI Medical (Spain) develops medical device software with the aim of preventing the appearance of cancer in the abdomen non-invasively.
    • Thalia Psychotherapy (Kenya) is a mental health startup focused on integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems.
    • TibuHealth (Kenya) delivers affordable outpatient services via “minute clinics” in partner pharmacies in high-density neighbourhoods.
    • Zoie Health (South Africa) is a digital health platform focused on providing underserved, high-need populations with affordable, accessible and healthcare.
  • Liquid Dataport and Viasat sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve connectivity services for business and consumers in West Africa

    Liquid Dataport and Viasat sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve connectivity services for business and consumers in West Africa

    Liquid Dataport, a business of Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), a pan-African technology group, and Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to engage in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) service opportunities across West Africa.

    Liquid and Viasat intend to focus on the potential commercialisation and distribution of satellite broadband to reduce internet connectivity costs and improve data connections across the region. Under the terms of the MOU, Liquid Dataport will offer Viasat’s connectivity services working through local partners.

    As a part of Viasat’s expansion into Africa, the Company’s next-generation ViaSat-3 satellite constellation is expected to deliver connectivity services to Europe, The Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

    “Liquid Dataport is delighted to announce our collaboration with Viasat, and we believe there will be immense opportunities for the increased adoption of satellite connectivity in the African market as Viasat continues to expand its presence across the continent,” says Scott Mumford, Liquid Dataport, Chief Commercial Officer.

    “The MOU we have signed with Viasat will increase the data connectivity options that businesses and consumers in West Africa can have at their disposal. The reduced costs for connectivity is good news for our enterprise customers businesses”, added Hardy Pemhiwa the Liquid President and Group CEO.

    “Viasat’s ability to deliver affordable and high-quality connectivity where it is needed most, even in the hardest-to-reach regions, continues to expand as we launch our next-generation ViaSat-3 global satellite constellation. We’re thrilled to work with Liquid Dataport to help reduce Africa’s digital gap and create new opportunities through digital inclusion,” said Peter Langkilde, General Manager of EMEA at Viasat.

    Viasat and Liquid Intelligent Technologies independently announced recent agreements with the Microsoft Airband Initiative to deliver internet access to millions of underserved people in Africa by the end of 2025, targeting regions that include the DRC, Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Tanzania, and Zambia.

    The MOU between Liquid and Viasat is also in line with the Liquid’s mission to help close Africa’s digital gap. “We are always looking to bring internationally acclaimed digital and connectivity services and solutions to our customers across Africa,” concluded Mumford.