Vertiv Signs Multi-Year Deal to Build Data Centres in Africa

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYOctober 17, 2025 at 3:25 PM UTC

TLDR

Vertiv, a provider of digital infrastructure solutions, has entered a multi-year agreement with Nxtra by Airtel Africa to help build a continental data centre network
The partnership begins in Nigeria, where a 42 MW facility will be developed in four phases and should be fully operational by 2028
Under the deal, Vertiv will supply thermal management systems, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units and batteries, and carry out commissioning and maintenance

Vertiv, a provider of digital infrastructure solutions, has entered a multi-year agreement with Nxtra by Airtel Africa to help build a continental data centre network. The partnership begins in Nigeria, where a 42 MW facility will be developed in four phases and should be fully operational by 2028.

Under the deal, Vertiv will supply thermal management systems, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units and batteries, and carry out commissioning and maintenance. Its Nigerian team will oversee installation and offer five years of post-deployment support.

Nxtra’s CEO, Yash Issur, said the expansion is key to Africa’s digital transformation. He cited the need for a vendor with global capacity and local presence, pointing to Vertiv’s track record in Africa and prior work with Airtel in India. Vertiv’s EMEA president, Karsten Winther, noted a longstanding relationship with Airtel and said the partnership combines local support with innovation.

The agreement supports Nxtra’s rollout plans across Airtel’s markets, including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

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Key Takeaways

Africa’s demand for data capacity is rising fast. In Nigeria, total data centre capacity is estimated at 136.7 MW in 2025 and is projected to reach nearly 280 MW by 2030. Grid constraints and power costs pose major challenges. Vertiv’s role is critical: supplying UPS systems, cooling infrastructure and maintenance will ensure uptime despite grid instability. Also, the Africa data centre power market is valued at about $0.57 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a 13.4 % compound annual rate to 2030. Nxtra’s expansion into Kenya is already underway. It broke ground on a 44 MW facility in Tatu City, expected to go live in early 2027. The partnership helps Airtel/Nxtra compete with global cloud and hyperscale providers by assuring performance, resilience and energy efficiency. For African markets, it signals growing confidence that local digital infrastructure can meet rising needs.

Business

Data Centers

Airtel Africa

Telecom

Vertiv