Rack Centre, West Africa’s premier AI-ready data centre provider, has launched the Rack Centre Academy, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of skilled data centre professionals in the region.
The announcement was made at the ongoing IOT West Africa, Africa’s leading digital infrastructure event. The Academy is a comprehensive, fully sponsored training programme developed in partnership with Schneider Electric, IBTC, the African Data Centres Association (ADCA), and EPI.
According to recent research by the Africa Data Centres Association, 61.3% of companies in the region still rely on fragmented in-house training, highlighting the urgent need for structured talent development as digital transformation accelerates across West Africa.
“At Rack Centre, we’ve built an AI-ready data centre, but infrastructure is only as strong as the people who manage it,” said Lars Johannisson, CEO of Rack Centre. “The data centre industry in West Africa is at an inflection point. The Rack Centre Academy is our commitment to building the workforce that will power our region’s digital future.”
A Rigorous, Industry-Aligned Programme
The Rack Centre Academy is a five-month intensive programme combining internationally recognised certifications, classroom instruction, and practical hands-on experience at Rack Centre’s state-of-the-art AI-ready facility in Lagos. Participants will receive training in data centre engineering principles, infrastructure management, security protocols, monitoring systems, and operational excellence.
The programme is fully sponsored, with zero cost to participants. It targets recent graduates in engineering, computer science, and IT-related fields, offering them globally recognised certifications and direct pathways into the fast-growing data centre industry.
“Reliability is our baseline, not our finish line,” said Sunday Opadijo, Director of Operations at Rack Centre. “We need Reliable Guardians — technicians who truly understand mission-critical infrastructure. The Academy is how we are building that talent pipeline, not just for Rack Centre, but for the entire West African ecosystem.”
The initiative is powered by IBTC (International Business Training Centre) for technical delivery, with certification support from Schneider Electric University and EPI. It also enjoys the endorsement of the African Data Centres Association (ADCA).
The first cohort of the Rack Centre Academy has commenced, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply via: https://rack-centre.com/academy/
