MTN Group’s digital infrastructure unit has partnered with Dubai-based investor Tarek Al Ashram to develop AI-ready data centre infrastructure in Africa, initially targeting South Africa and Nigeria.
The partnership will operate through Africa Data Hub Holding Limited, a joint venture combining MTN’s regional footprint with Al Ashram’s data centre development and operating experience. Al Ashram is participating through his private investment firm.
Bayobab, MTN’s digital connectivity business and a shareholder in the venture, will provide open-access connectivity and go-to-market support through its pan-African network. The platform is intended to serve hyperscalers, cloud providers, enterprises and technology companies, according to the announcement.
The venture builds on MTN’s plan to develop a 150-megawatt AI-ready data centre network across South Africa and Nigeria. MTN Digital Infrastructure, launched in January 2025, oversees the group’s fibre, mobility assets and data centre strategy.
Al Ashram is the founder of Gulf Data Hub, which the company says operates 40MW of data centres in the MENA region, with another 90MW under construction. Gulf Data Hub also received backing from KKR for an expansion plan valued at more than $5 billion.
Source: Africa AI News
