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African Telcos Compete to Launch Eco-Friendly Data Centres

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African telecommunications companies are hurrying to build data centres powered by green energy as the demand for digital services on the continent increases, driven by the largest youth demographic in the world.

African Telcos Compete to Launch Eco-Friendly Data Centres

Ayotunde Coker, chairman, Africa Data Centres Association

According to newscentral.africa, the continent has already established itself as a leader in mobile money, headlined by Kenya’s M-Pesa and various other mobile payment platforms, with 60% of the population using mobile devices to access the internet.

By the year 2025, an additional 167 million individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to subscribe to mobile services, totaling 623 million users, and the number of smartphone connections in the region is projected to more than double.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that Africa’s Internet economy could account for 5.2% of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, which would contribute nearly US $180 billion to its economy.

Leading telecommunications companies across the continent are capitalizing on this demand opportunity—encouraged by initiatives to digitize education, healthcare, agricultural services, and governance—by preparing data centre projects they claim will rank among the largest and most environmentally friendly in the region.

In its 2024 sustainability report, Kenya’s major telecom firm, Safaricom, has detailed plans to build three Tier 3+ scale data centres as a component of its long-term vision to evolve from a telecommunications business to Africa’s foremost purpose-driven technology enterprise by 2030.

“The facility is equipped with a 200 kWp rooftop solar PV plant, with plans to scale up to 2MWp. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with renewable energy producers to further enhance our commitment to sustainability,” according to the sustainability report.

In June, MTN Nigeria announced it was building a 1,500-rack, Tier 4 data centre to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing data demands and digital needs of businesses and consumers in the country.

In a LinkedIn post, Karl Olutokun Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria, said the facility will be the largest in West Africa upon completion and will enable the telco to respond swiftly to market demands and support businesses in Nigeria.

“Ultimately, this centre will play a vital role in supporting Nigerian businesses to collaborate through cloud services, expand their capabilities, and thrive,” said Toriola.

”Our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is reflected in the data centre’s eco-friendly design to utilize efficient cooling systems and a combination of traditional energy sources, gas, and renewable energy,” he added.

After launching a multi-million data centre business, Nxtra by Airtel, in December 2023 the telco broke ground in March to what it termed as one of Africa’s largest data centres in Lagos, Nigeria- with plans for more across the continent.

“Through this business we aim to create one of the largest networks of data centres in Africa with high-capacity facilities in major cities complementing our existing sites. We’re taking great care to incorporate modern energy efficiencies into our operations,” said Airtel Africa’s Sustainability Report 2024.

Africa Data Centres Association also affirms the expansion of industry due to the increasing demand for such facilities throughout the continent-citing Kenya, Morocco and South Africa as fast-growing markets- abeit with a huge infrastructure gap to fill in.

“Africa needs up to 1000 MW and 700 facilities to meet demand and bring capacity density on a par with that of South Africa, the region’s leader,” according to Data Centres in Africa focus report 2024.

Africa, the report shows accounted for less than 2% of global colocation Data Centres supply, with over half that total located in South Africa.

“The development of data centres is picking up pace due to strong demand from economic operators, as well as increasing awareness that African countries must establish their digital sovereignty in an increasingly competitive and complex world,” said Ayotunde Coker, chairman, Africa Data Centres Association.

Nigeria is listed in the data centres focus report as Africa’s largest digital economy with the internet contributing US$36.5 billion to its GDP, followed by South Africa(US$31.5 billion) and Egypt (US$26 billion).

Other large digital economies include Morocco(US$21.1 billion), Kenya(US$12.8 billion), and Algeria (US$11.9 billion).

Allied Market Research projects that the global market for DC provision will reach US$517.2 billion by 2030, up from an estimated of US$187.4 billion in 2020.

 

 


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NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


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Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

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Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


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GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

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Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


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