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Tag: Managing Director for Africa

  • Africa’s Business Heroes Launches 8th Edition with USD 1.5 Million in Grant Funding Available for African Entrepreneurs

    Africa’s Business Heroes Launches 8th Edition with USD 1.5 Million in Grant Funding Available for African Entrepreneurs

    …Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s role as a founder-first platform supporting Africa-led solutions with the ambition, scale, and substance to drive lasting economic transformation

    Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its 8th edition, calling on African entrepreneurs who are building businesses defining the continent’s future.

    Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s role as a founder-first platform supporting Africa-led solutions with the ambition, scale, and substance to drive lasting economic transformation.

    Across the continent, entrepreneurs are solving real problems with bold, innovative solutions—from climate-smart agriculture and digital finance to healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Africa’s Business Heroes is committed to identifying these founders, accelerating their growth, and elevating their stories to inspire and shape Africa’s future.

    “Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential,” said Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes. “Beyond the USD 1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is a transformational platform that equips founders with the visibility, mentorship, and strategic support they need to scale sustainable businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that entrepreneurs are both recognised and empowered to build enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel inclusive growth across Africa.”

    In 2026, ABH will deepen its on-the-ground engagement across the continent by visiting ten African markets. In line with its commitment to being truly pan-African and inclusive, the programme will prioritize countries that have been underrepresented in its Top 10 finalists to date, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. These visits will bring together local entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and investors through community-building events, workshops, and tailored founder engagements—strengthening local ecosystems and expanding access to the ABH platform.

    In addition, this year ABH will expand its recognition pool by announcing Top 100 Finalists rather than a Top 50. This reflects both the growing demand and interest in the competition and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader range of innovative and inspiring African businesses. Since 2019, applications have grown from approximately 10,000 to over 30,000 annually. By recognising more high-potential founders, ABH aims to deepen its impact, provide greater visibility to emerging entrepreneurs, and strengthen its role as a leading platform celebrating Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

    More Than a Competition

    Now in its eighth year, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a prize competition into one of the continent’s most respected entrepreneurship platforms. The programme combines grant funding with training, mentorship, and long-term community support, enabling entrepreneurs to build businesses designed to last.

    Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. Shortlisted heroes also gain access to capacity-building programmes and join a growing pan-African network of peers, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

    Past Top 10 finalists also have the opportunity to participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. The programme enables entrepreneurs to connect with one another, engage directly with the Alibaba ecosystem, and gain exposure to global best practices in innovation, digital transformation, and scaling technology-enabled businesses. The latest cohort of past Top 10 finalists will travel to Hangzhou in September 2026.

    A Proven Platform for African Entrepreneurs

    The 7th edition of Africa’s Business Heroes concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe of Tanzania, Co Founder and CEO of NovFeed, named Africa’s Business Hero. Her biotech venture transforms organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, addressing food security and environmental sustainability challenges across Africa.

    “Winning Africa’s Business Heroes was transformative for NovFeed,” said Diana Orembe,“The funding will accelerate our growth, but just as important was the business training, visibility, and network we gained through the programme. ABH challenges you to refine your vision, strengthen your strategy, and think bigger about your impact. It’s not just about the finale, it’s about becoming part of a community committed to building Africa’s future.”

    Last year’s edition attracted over 31,000 applications from across the continent and awarded USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten finalists representing 7 African countries, reflecting the depth and diversity of the continent’s entrepreneurial pipeline.

    Who Should Apply

    Applications are open to founders from across Africa who:

    • Are citizens or legal residents of an African country
    • Lead a registered business headquartered in Africa
    • Have demonstrated 3 years or more of traction
    • Show a commitment to positive societal impact

    ABH is a sector-agnostic competition and welcomes applications across all sectors critical to Africa’s future, including: food systems, climate and energy, fintech and financial inclusion, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and more.

    Applications Now Open

    Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted in English or French.

    Applications close on April 28th 2026.

    Apply at: https://apo-opa.co/4l5l5Hi

  • 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.

  • Redington and Vertiv Join Forces to Drive Technology Adoption and Support IT Deployments Across Africa

    Redington and Vertiv Join Forces to Drive Technology Adoption and Support IT Deployments Across Africa

    Redington, the leading technology aggregator and innovation powerhouse across emerging markets, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions. This collaboration aims to empower channel partners across Africa to leverage the transformative potential of Vertiv’s technology and expand its reseller network.

    The partnership leverages Redington’s established presence and expertise in emerging markets, particularly in data centre transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside Vertiv’s industry-leading[1] power and cooling technology, resources, and over 50 years of experience in critical infrastructure services. This powerful combination will unlock new opportunities for Vertiv to extend its reach within the regional channel market. The distributor’s comprehensive reach across Africa, coupled with its strong in-house services team, will provide additional value to Vertiv’s local channel partners and end users.

    The partnership encompasses Vertiv’s entire Integrated Solutions portfolio and IT channel product stack, spanning Africa. This comprehensive offering enables Redington to deliver a complete suite of Vertiv’s cutting-edge solutions to its extensive network of channel partners and end users.

    “As Vertiv continues to expand its footprint across Africa, this strategic partnership with Redington marks a significant milestone in our journey,” said Wojtek Piorko, Managing Director for Africa at Vertiv. “Africa is a critical region for Vertiv as a business, and we look forward to supporting local customers in meeting their efficiency, scalability and sustainability goals into the future, together with Redington.”

    “At Redington, we’re constantly seeking strategic partnerships that fuel innovation and drive growth across Africa,” said Dharshana Kosgalage, Executive Vice President, Technology Solutions Group, Redington Middle East and Africa. “Our collaboration with Vertiv exemplifies this commitment. Vertiv’s industry-leading technology perfectly complements our extensive reach, creating a powerful value proposition for businesses across the continent. We’re confident this alliance will catalyse Africa’s digital revolution.”

    The distributor will hold specialised training and partner empowerment sessions to enable its channel network to effectively deliver Vertiv’s portfolio, as well as carefully managing inventory to serve the market without delays and designing solutions to meet customers’ specific requirements alongside partners.

  • Vertiv To Showcase Cutting-Edge Augmented Reality Solutions For Data Centre Planning at Gitex Africa 2024

    Vertiv To Showcase Cutting-Edge Augmented Reality Solutions For Data Centre Planning at Gitex Africa 2024

    Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has pledged its support of the upcoming Gitex Africa event, touted to be the continent’s largest and most influential tech and startup show. At this year’s event, Vertiv will showcase its critical infrastructure solutions, providing Gitex Africa visitors with an immersive, 3D experience.

    This will include access to the VertivTM Virtual Showroom, which creates a virtual experience using photo-realistic 3D models enriched with engaging animations that allow users to interact with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure solutions from the Gitex Africa stand. The showroom displays a range of digital infrastructure equipment, whether it be fully equipped racks, highly efficient cooling equipment, or intelligent power, in a walkable facility.

    Vertiv will also feature the VertivTM XR App at Gitex Africa, allowing IT managers, data centre operators and channel partners to visualise Vertiv data centre solutions in the location they would occupy in any given facility, the same way a homeowner might use a virtual reality app to place versions of a new couch or kitchen cabinets in their space to see how they look.

    The App guides users through product selection and placement, visualising data centre infrastructure equipment in their location of choice – be it in their own data centre, offices or lobby. This virtual representation helps data centre decision-makers plan more effectively and achieve a better overview of their facility’s physical footprint.

    The VertivTM Virtual Showroom and the VertivTM XR App will allow Gitex Africa visitors looking to scale critical facilities or make their existing data centres and IT systems future-ready to take the guesswork out of the equation, explains Wojtek Piorko, managing director for Africa at Vertiv.

    “We’re bringing the power of augmented reality to Gitex Africa, helping local businesses to bring their future critical IT infrastructure to life, and allowing them to make more informed buying decisions and recommendations, not just by ‘seeing’ our latest solutions but also being able to visualise in a tangible way how new products could interact with their existing environments, all from the palm of their hand,” Piorko says.

    “We look forward to engaging with key stakeholders through our participation at Gitex Africa. The presence of our executive team at the event underscores our commitment to the region and our strategic focus in particular on the local telecommunications and enterprise sectors,” adds Piorko.

    Gitex Africa 2024 will take place from the 29th to the 31st of May 2024, in Bab Jdid, Marrakech, Morocco. Vertiv can be found on booth 4B-10 in Hall 4. 

  • Invest Africa to host Google and Cassava Technologies at Africa Tech Festival

    Invest Africa to host Google and Cassava Technologies at Africa Tech Festival

     Invest Africa will return to the Africa Tech Festival next week, convening a high-level fireside chat on advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure in partnership with DLA Piper. Featuring Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi, Cassava Technologies President and Group Chief Executive Officer Hardy Pemhiwa, and DLA Piper’s Partner, Livia Dyer, the event will shed light on the evolving digital landscape in African markets and the opportunities and challenges it presents for investors.

    The fireside chat will provide a platform for the discussions around achieving inclusive connectivity across the continent, tackling digital infrastructure challenges, and raising awareness about cybersecurity issues and digital proficiency across diverse populations. Our two Industry leaders will provide us with their view on the investment opportunities within Africa’s digital ecosystem.

    The digital landscape in African markets is rapidly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors. Approximately four in ten Africans now have internet access, with around 60% accessing it through mobile phones. This connectivity has a profound economic impact. Internet adoption is forecasted to contribute a staggering $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, while a 10% rise in mobile broadband penetration alone is projected to result in a 2.5% increase in GDP per capita.

    Persistent challenges remain, however: 300 million Africans live more than 50 km away from a broadband connection, and the majority of inter-country internet traffic still relies on undersea cables. While Africa strives to establish a unified digital market, regulatory landscapes diverge among its 54 countries – not least of all in data protection and intellectual property rights.

    Join us for what promises to be the conversation of the week:  on 14 November, to attend please email events@investafrica.com

    “Africa’s digital transformation is not just a goal but a necessity for the continent’s growth,” said Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi. “Google is supporting a range of initiatives from improved connectivity to investment in startups to help boost Africa’s digital transformation.”

    Cassava Technologies, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, Hardy Pemhiwa, added, “We believe that digital infrastructure is one of the most important pillars for Africa’s economic development.  Technology solutions for the continent must be grounded in ‘African Intelligence’. We have to  develop local technology solutions and adapt what is available globally to Africa’s unique development challenges. Cassava Technologies has made extensive investments in realising our vision of enabling a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.”

  • Vertiv’s Micro Data Centre Solution for Small Edge Computing now Available across Africa

    Vertiv’s Micro Data Centre Solution for Small Edge Computing now Available across Africa

    Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced the local availability in Africa of the Vertiv™ SmartCabinet™ 2, a self-contained micro data centre for edge computing applications, including banking and financial institutes, warehousing, education, government, and retail customers.


    The SmartCabinet™ 2 offers the features of a complete data centre in a compact and rapidly deployable package, meeting the requirements of smaller edge computing sites. The system includes an enclosed rack, a 3500W Vertiv™ Liebert® integrated cooling unit, plus a Vertiv™ Liebert® uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a power management unit, in a cabinet that is smaller in height, width and depth than other Vertiv™ SmartCabinet™ offerings.


    “Over the past two years in particular, there has been a significant increase in remote and hybrid work, as well as growing demand for various IT applications in Africa. At the same time, we are increasingly seeing requirements for data centres to be flexible, standardised, and resilient. The compact, yet powerful, Vertiv SmartCabinet 2 micro data centre is an ideal solution for edge spaces, allowing businesses across the continent to expand their IT compute – and meet changing needs – easily and efficiently,” said Wojtek Piorko, Vertiv’s managing director for Africa.


    “A number of our African customers said they loved the Vertiv™ SmartCabinet™ product, and would be interested in a smaller option. And, thanks to our global engineering team, that’s exactly what we are now able to deliver,” said Amitesh Kumar, integrated rack business manager at Vertiv. “We’re focusing on supporting a new, more efficient deployment of micro data centres.”


    Piorko added that drivers for the smaller solution include today’s trends towards increased virtualisation and cloud use, which have limited the requirement for on-premises IT infrastructure, along with an increased need for lower IT energy consumption, of particular importance in Africa.


    In addition, scrutiny over data sovereignty – where data is subject to the laws and governance structures of where it’s collected – and compliance requirements have resulted in greater demand for similar infrastructure in factories, retail outlets, and educational institutes.


    The Vertiv™ SmartCabinet™ 2 can be equipped with enhanced security feature options, including video surveillance. The LED lighting around the system can be customised to suit customer branding, given in many cases, it will be in sight of staff and end users.

    SmartCabinet 2 is the latest addition to Vertiv’s broad range of integrated data centre solutions. 

  • Lumos secures $35 million solar investment to power one million people in Nigeria

    Lumos secures $35 million solar investment to power one million people in Nigeria

    Lumos, Africa’s solar home system provider, has announced new financing from U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to expand its existing market for reliable, accessible and clean solar power in Nigeria.

    The new financing will enable Lumos to produce an additional 160,000 solar home systems (SHS) to meet ever-increasing demand from homes and businesses across the country where it already has a majority of the market share.

    Currently, more than 160 million people in Nigeria have poor or no access to the electricity grid. Hundreds of thousands of new Lumos solar home systems will enable close to a million people to switch to reliable, clean energy, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development in the country. This is aligned with the Nigerian government’s plans, announced in June, to connect five million households to solar power.

    Alistair Gordon, Group CEO, Lumos, said: “This funding from DFC will enable people throughout Nigeria to seize the opportunities that come with access to reliable and affordable power. Access to energy is the foundation for a high quality of life, good healthcare, education and increased income. Our ultimate goal at Lumos is to provide power for everyone.”

    Worku Gachou, Managing Director for Africa, at DFC said: “Access to power is a fundamental need across Africa and is even more urgent as COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the continent. Supporting Lumos will empower one million people across Nigeria by delivering access to reliable and affordable energy. Together, we can help unlock Africa’s enormous potential for growth.”

    Shmulik Kollender, Group COO & CFO Lumos, said: “We thank DFC for its continued support of our vision and approach. Our longstanding partnership with DFC had already allowed Lumos to command a market leading position in the largest off-grid market in Sub-Saharan Africa. DFC financing is even more important these days. In light of the impact that COVID-19 has on our customers there is a real need for impact-oriented investors that can share our vision to eliminate energy-poverty in the country”.

    The DFC financing announcement follows funding from Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO, announced in August, that will more than double Lumos’ customer base in Côte d’Ivoire, solidifying its position as the solar home system market leader in West Africa.

    Solar home systems offer a rapidly deployable power solution to a global market of more than two billion people. Currently, there are 740 million people with poor or no access to the electricity grid in Sub-Saharan Africa. By offering a unique power solution to the mass market, Lumos is revolutionising and decentralising power supply in the region, in the same way that mobile phones revolutionised communications.