Digital Realty, the global leader in carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, has named Marcel Louw as its new Managing Director for Africa.
Louw will spearhead strategic initiatives across Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Ghana, driving the expansion of Digital Realty’s PlatformDIGITAL® and reinforcing the company’s commitment to Africa’s digital transformation. He will report to Paula Cogan, Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Louw brings over two decades of expertise in fund management and infrastructure investment. Since 2012, he has served as Investment Director at Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers. In this Africa-focused private equity fund manager, he led significant infrastructure investments, including data center projects in partnership with Digital Realty. His prior roles include five years at The Carlyle Group’s Structured Credit Group in London, as well as positions at Goldman Sachs and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
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The appointment underscores Digital Realty’s long-term vision for Africa’s digital economy. With a $2 billion investment in the continent and operations in Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa, the company is expanding its data center network to support economic growth and global connectivity. Recently ranked number one in Africa on Cloudscene’s Data Center Ecosystem Leaderboard, Digital Realty is solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the region’s digital infrastructure.
“Marcel’s deep experience in infrastructure and fund management across Africa and beyond will be pivotal as we scale our operations,” said Paula Cogan. “His leadership will help us empower enterprises to innovate and thrive in Africa’s dynamic digital landscape.”
Louw expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “Africa is a vibrant digital frontier with growing global influence. Digital Realty’s unmatched infrastructure positions us to connect African businesses to the world. I’m excited to lead our team in building platforms that fuel innovation and opportunity across the continent.”
