What is the primary goal of this partnership?

The primary goal is to accelerate the development of AI-ready digital infrastructure platforms across Africa, meeting the rising demand for cloud computing, AI workloads, and data-intensive digital services.

Which entity will facilitate this strategic partnership?

The partners will pursue this strategic partnership through Africa Data Hub Holding Limited, which will serve as the platform for developing and scaling digital infrastructure across key African markets.

Which African countries are the initial focus for this initiative?

The initial focus for the development of AI-ready digital infrastructure will be in South Africa and Nigeria.

Who founded the UAE-based investment platform?

The UAE-based investment platform was founded by Mr. Tarek Al Ashram, an experienced data centre developer, operator, and investor with a track record in the Middle East.

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Investment·3 September 2026

UAE Investor Partners with MTN to Build AI Data Centre Infrastructure Across Africa

MTN Group has formed a strategic partnership with a UAE-based data centre investment platform to develop AI-ready digital infrastructure across key African markets, initially focusing on South Africa and Nigeria.

MTN Digital Infrastructure, a division of MTN Group, has announced a new strategic partnership with a UAE-based data centre investment platform. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of AI-ready digital infrastructure platforms across the African continent.

Strategic Focus and Initial Markets

The partnership will operate through Africa Data Hub Holding Limited, a new entity designed to develop and scale digital infrastructure opportunities. The initial focus for these developments will be on South Africa and Nigeria, two of Africa's largest economies with growing digital sectors.

This initiative aligns with MTN's Ambition 2030 strategy, which seeks to establish foundational infrastructure for Africa's digital transformation. The partnership will combine MTN Digital Infrastructure's extensive African network and market knowledge with the UAE partner's specialist investment, development, and operational expertise in the data centre sector.

Driving Digital Economy Growth

The collaboration is expected to address the increasing demand for cloud computing, AI workloads, and data-intensive digital services across Africa. Bayobab, MTN's digital connectivity business and a shareholder in the partnership, will provide open access connectivity and market support.

The UAE-based investment platform was founded by Mr. Tarek Al Ashram, an experienced data centre developer and investor with a proven track record across the Middle East. Mr. Al Ashram highlighted the significant potential in African markets, drawing parallels with the rapid growth observed in the Middle East's cloud, digital services, and AI sectors, which were supported by world-class data centre infrastructure.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the primary goal of this partnership?: The primary goal is to accelerate the development of AI-ready digital infrastructure platforms across Africa, meeting the rising demand for cloud computing, AI workloads, and data-intensive digital services.
Which entity will facilitate this strategic partnership?: The partners will pursue this strategic partnership through Africa Data Hub Holding Limited, which will serve as the platform for developing and scaling digital infrastructure across key African markets.
Which African countries are the initial focus for this initiative?: The initial focus for the development of AI-ready digital infrastructure will be in South Africa and Nigeria.
Who founded the UAE-based investment platform?: The UAE-based investment platform was founded by Mr. Tarek Al Ashram, an experienced data centre developer, operator, and investor with a track record in the Middle East.

Reported by

Logistics & Data-Centre Real Estate · Google News — UAE Infrastructure & Transport

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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