iXAfrica Unveils East Africa’s First Hyperscale Data Centre in Nairobi
iXAfrica Data Centres, East Africa’s largest hyperscale data centre facility, has launched the first phase of its state-of-the-art data centre, NBOX1, in Nairobi.
The 4.5MW, 780-rack hyperscale, carrier-neutral, and AI-ready facility is set to transform Kenya’s digital landscape by expanding access to cloud services, secure data storage, and reliable connectivity for businesses, tech providers, and government operations.
Located along Mombasa Road, NBOX1 is part of a larger 22.5MW campus designed to meet the region’s growing demand for data and computing infrastructure.
The facility offers seamless connectivity through multiple network providers and is optimized for AI-driven workloads, positioning Kenya as a key digital hub in Africa.
During a visit to the facility, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) CEO John Mwendwa lauded iXAfrica’s role in strengthening Kenya’s data sovereignty and accelerating digital transformation.
“Kenya is on the brink of a digital revolution, and investments like iXAfrica’s hyperscale data centre are pivotal in positioning the country as a premier technology and innovation hub,” said Mwendwa.
Mwendwa further emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and supporting investments that drive economic growth.
iXAfrica CEO Snehar Shah reiterated the company’s mission to provide secure, scalable, and world-class digital solutions.
“We are proud to unveil the first phase of our hyperscale data centre, which is ready to host the first hyperscale developments in the region and key public sector workloads. This will significantly contribute to the digitalization of services and cloud adoption in Kenya and beyond,” said Shah.
In December 2022, Helios Investment Partners committed an initial $50 million in growth capital to develop the facility, underlining investor confidence in Kenya’s digital economy.
iXAfrica is also contributing to Kenya’s data security landscape by collaborating with Moringa School to launch specialized training programs for Data Protection Officers in the corporate sector.
Kenya’s strategic location, green energy potential, and expanding digital economy make it an attractive destination for hyperscale investments. With over 51 million internet subscriptions, 100 percent mobile penetration, and a growing demand for cloud and AI-driven services, the country is fast emerging as Africa’s gateway for global technology players.
Key Features of the iXAfrica Data Centre
East Africa’s First Hyperscale Data Centre: NBOX1 is a 4.5MW facility, part of a 22.5MW campus, set to host global cloud providers and government workloads.
AI-Ready and Carrier-Neutral: Offers seamless connectivity with major global and regional carriers, multiple internet exchanges, and four secure fiber entry points.
Sustainability-Focused: Powered by Kenya’s 93% renewable energy grid, ensuring a green and efficient digital infrastructure.Future Expansion Plans: Development of NBOX1.2 (18MW IT Power) and the upcoming NBOX2 Tilisi campus (53MW on 11 acres) to meet growing regional digital needs.
With this latest development, iXAfrica is set to play a transformative role in Kenya’s digital economy, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.
