Author: Akin Naphtal

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), a global leader in internet exchange services, has unveiled two strategic partnerships to enhance connectivity for underserved regions and streamline cloud access for its members. LINX has joined forces with INDATEL, a U.S.-based collective of over 900 rural and regional broadband providers, and Megaport, a Network as a Service (NaaS) provider, to drive innovation in interconnection and cloud services. The partnership with INDATEL aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective peering and interconnection services to rural and regional areas across the United States, where access to robust connectivity has historically been limited. As an INDATEL Affiliate, LINX…

Wojtek Piorko Kenya is entering a new digital era, one defined by accelerated connectivity, data growth and the move towards artificial intelligence (AI). But to fully make use of these opportunities, the country must address the infrastructure demands driving tomorrow’s digital economy. Across Africa – and notably in Kenya – connectivity has surged. The country is home to some of the continent’s fastest-growing mobile and internet penetration rates, and with 4G already dominant, 5G is poised to accelerate that trajectory. The Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) recently released quarterly Sector Statistics report covering July to September 2024 that stated that…

Jon Abbot Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly from speculative investment to an operational tool. But behind the headlines about model breakthroughs and generative capabilities lies a less discussed reality; AI workloads are already colliding with the physical limits of our digital infrastructure. As the economy becomes increasingly AI-enabled, that infrastructure is coming under pressure in ways that may impact everything from sustainability targets to regional development plans. Whether it’s heat, power, planning or grid availability, the practical demands of AI systems are beginning to shape decisions in government, business and real estate. High performance doesn’t come cheap – or…

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a monumental $20 billion investment to expand its data center infrastructure in Pennsylvania, aiming to solidify U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement was made at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, hosted by U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, with President Donald Trump and other government officials in attendance. AWS CEO Matt Garman emphasized the strategic importance of the investment, stating, “There may not be a bigger national security imperative than winning this technology race. The flywheel effect drives economic benefits, better jobs, and innovation, fostering prosperity across industries.” The investment includes the development of…

CityFibre, the UK’s leading alternative network provider, has secured a £2.3 billion financing package to fuel its ambitious growth plans, accelerate customer connections, and spearhead consolidation in the fragmented altnet sector. The landmark deal, announced today, includes £500 million in new equity from existing shareholders—Infrastructure at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Antin Infrastructure Partners, Mubadala Investment Company, and Interogo Holding—demonstrating strong confidence in CityFibre’s strategy. The funding also comprises a £960 million expansion of debt facilities from a consortium of top-tier lenders, including ABN AMRO, BBVA, Crédit Agricole CIB, ING, Intesa Sanpaolo IMI CIB, Lloyds, the National Wealth Fund, NatWest, SEB, and…

Oracle has unveiled a $3 billion investment plan to enhance its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Germany and the Netherlands, aiming to meet the soaring demand for AI computing and strengthen its European presence. The tech giant will allocate $2 billion to Germany and $1 billion to the Netherlands over the next five years to develop new cloud regions, advance high-performance computing, and deliver AI-focused services tailored for local enterprises and public sector organizations. The announcement comes as hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud intensify their infrastructure investments in Europe, driven by rising customer…

Check Point Software Technologies, a global leader in cyber security solutions, has appointed Diego Arrabal as Vice President for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA). The announcement positions Arrabal, based in Dubai, to lead operations across the diverse EEMEA region, advancing the company’s mission to deliver AI-powered security solutions amid a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Arrabal brings over 20 years of experience in cyber security and technology, with a proven track record of leading multicultural teams. Most recently, he spearheaded VMware’s Networking and Security business across EMEA, driving innovation and customer success in complex markets. At Check Point,…

African fintech leader, Flutterwave, has obtained a Payment Institution License from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), enabling full operations in Senegal and marking a key milestone in its pan-African expansion. The license positions Flutterwave to deliver its comprehensive suite of digital payment solutions in one of Francophone Africa’s fastest-growing economies, tapping into Senegal’s thriving mobile money ecosystem. “This license is a gateway to unlocking immense business opportunities and integrating Senegal into Africa’s digital economy,” said Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave’s co-founder and CEO. “Senegal has the potential to significantly drive Africa’s growth story.” The move aligns with Flutterwave’s strategy…

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across East and Southern Africa are poised to benefit from a groundbreaking partnership between Odoo, a leading provider of business management software, and Network International, a prominent payment solutions company. The collaboration integrates Network International’s payment gateway into the Odoo platform, enabling SMEs to seamlessly accept card payments and mobile money within their existing software, simplifying collections and boosting sales in the region’s rapidly growing digital economy. The integrated solution offers a single sign-in for operations and payments, equipped with fraud-protection tools and real-time data dashboards. This allows merchants to adapt to diverse customer payment…

Digital Realty has forged a strategic partnership with Vodafone Greece to enhance Crete’s digital connectivity, positioning the island as a key digital hub in Southern Europe. The collaboration, announced today, centers on establishing a point of presence (PoP) for Vodafone Greece at Digital Realty’s HER1 data centre in Heraklion, marking a significant step in strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure. The HER1 facility, Crete’s first carrier-neutral interconnection point, will house critical equipment for submarine cable systems, serving as a vital hub for all cable landing stations on the island. Vodafone Greece will also deploy two new fibre routes connecting the HER1…