In this interview, Africa Hyperscalers Media’s Temi Os speaks to Regional Executive for West Africa, Africa Data Centres, Dr., Krishnan Ranganath, to discuss the African data center and cloud, industry, the opportunities for the company, and the company’s role in building the digital infrastructure to address exclusion in Africa.
What led to the birth of Africa Data Centres? What opportunities do you see in Africa?
If we look at the current status, the majority of data is currently hosted outside our continent, which is not an ideal scenario considering the present digital growth and security issues we face. Data centers and other digital infrastructures are pivotal for Africa’s growth and development in the digital age. They serve as the backbone of the continent’s evolving digital economy, enabling businesses to securely store and process critical data, fostering innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and facilitating seamless connectivity. By providing reliable digital infrastructure, we empower businesses to harness the full potential of technology, thus driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development across the region.
Africa Data Centres was born out of the pressing need for robust digital infrastructure across the continent. Recognizing the immense growth potential of Africa’s digital landscape, we identified the opportunity to bridge the gap by providing state-of-the-art data center solutions. Our strategy revolves around establishing a robust network of interconnected data centers strategically positioned across Africa, fostering seamless connectivity, and enabling businesses to thrive in the digital era.
The industry has become increasingly competitive, with companies like Digital Realty, Equinix, WIOCC, and of course, Cassava Technologies providing substantial investments. How do you plan to grow market share?
We aim to maintain our competitive edge by continuously innovating and delivering unparalleled value to our clients. Our strategic focus lies in providing customized, scalable, and reliable solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses in Africa with the globally defined standard in the Industry. By fostering strategic partnerships, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring exceptional service delivery, we remain committed to solidifying our position as the preferred choice for businesses seeking robust and dependable data center solutions across the continent.
What are the significant challenges and opportunities in the African market?
One of the significant challenges we face is the need to continuously adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape while adhering to stringent regulatory frameworks. However, amidst these challenges, we recognize the vast opportunities present in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. By addressing the growing demand for reliable digital infrastructure, we have the opportunity to significantly contribute to the region’s economic development, foster technological innovation, and drive inclusive growth across various sectors.
What is your forecast for the data center, edge, cloud, and connectivity industry in Africa in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, we anticipate a substantial evolution in the data center, edge, cloud, and connectivity industry in Africa. We expect to witness a significant surge in demand for advanced data center solutions, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud-based services, the proliferation of data-intensive technologies, and the rapid digital transformation across various industries. We foresee a heightened focus on edge computing to facilitate real-time data processing, thereby enabling businesses to leverage the full potential of emerging technologies and drive unprecedented innovation across the continent.
If you had one bullet to address an industry issue around the vertically integrated data center and connectivity business, what would you focus on resolving?
Our primary focus would be to enhance the accessibility and affordability of data center and connectivity services across the African market. By fostering strategic partnerships, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and advocating for regulatory frameworks that promote inclusivity, we aim to democratize access to digital infrastructure, thus empowering businesses of all sizes to leverage the full potential of technology and drive sustainable growth and development across the region.
You have been a multiple-time CTO since your days at Medallion. What is your experience as a Regional Executive for Africa Data Centres? What are the learnings?
My experience as Regional Executive for Africa Data Centres has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to leverage my technical expertise and leadership skills to drive strategic growth and innovation within the business as a techno-commercial person. I have learned the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence, as well as the significance of understanding the unique dynamics of the African market. Leading the region on behalf of Africa Data Centres has reinforced my commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, and driving sustainable development.
What class of customers do you target, and what has been their experience? What are your success stories?
We cater to a diverse array of customers, including enterprises, telecommunications companies, cloud service providers, and various other businesses seeking reliable and scalable data center solutions in Africa. Our clients’ experiences have been marked by the seamless integration of our services into their operations, enabling them to achieve enhanced operational efficiency, improved scalability, and heightened data security. Our success stories are reflective of our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital landscape, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth across various industries.
Can you tell us about your background and how your career led you here?
With a background deeply rooted in technology and innovation for nearly three decades in various emerging markets, my career journey has been driven by a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change and foster inclusive development. Having served in multiple leadership roles in various markets, I have gained invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of the technology landscape, which have equipped me with the necessary skills and expertise to lead the West African Region on behalf of Africa Data Centres. My journey has been defined by a relentless commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in the African market.
