DJIBOUTI—PAIX Data Centres, a data center solutions provider, has entered into a strategic joint venture with the Djibouti Sovereign Fund to construct a cloud and carrier-neutral data center in Djibouti.
The joint venture between PAIX Data Centres and the Djibouti Sovereign Fund brings together industry expertise and local knowledge to deliver world-class data center services tailored to the unique needs of Djibouti and the broader East African region.
The new facility will serve as a strategic interconnection hub for internet service providers (ISPs), cloud providers, financial institutions, and enterprises seeking reliable and scalable infrastructure to support their digital initiatives.
Ten undersea cables connect to Djibouti, with three under construction, making the data center a key access point for PAIX and its customers who wish to serve emerging markets.
“PAIX’s investment in JIB1 positions it at the crossroads of connectivity between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia,” PAIX CEO Wouter van Hulten said.
“The vital network hub created by aggregating multiple undersea cable landing points connecting to terrestrial cables makes Djibouti a beautiful gateway.
“We have received strong interest from our connectivity, CDN, social media, and cloud customers seeking to serve the emerging markets that these cables can access. We plan to develop thriving magnetic cloud and content hubs in Djibouti.”
PAIX will purchase the land, buildings, and data center equipment. The facility will have about 50,000 square feet of net usable space and up to 5 megawatts of critical power. The first phase is expected to open in 2026.
PAIX Djibouti will offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced cooling systems, redundant power sources, and robust security measures, to ensure optimal performance and reliability for mission-critical applications and services.
With a capacity of multiple megawatts, the data center will cater to the diverse needs of customers across various industries, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to accelerate innovation and drive business success.
“As the heart of Africa’s digital economy, Djibouti plays a strategic role in facilitating connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia,” Jean-Andre Gbarssin of the Djibouti Sovereign Fund said.
“PAIX Djibouti will catalyze digital inclusion and economic development, empowering businesses to unlock new opportunities and realize their full potential in the digital age. And we’re delighted as the Sovereign Wealth Fund to be part of this investment.”
In April this year, Djibouti’s sovereign wealth fund announced it was ready to co-invest in projects other than ports and military infrastructure.
PAIX Data Centres and the Djibouti Sovereign Fund remain committed to delivering best-in-class data center solutions that meet customers’ evolving needs and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Djibouti and the broader Horn of Africa region. PAIX Data Centres is already operating in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy, and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE
