- Safaricom and iXAfrica have partnered to provide businesses with scalable, affordable, and modern data and AI solutions.
- This move supports enterprises running AI-based workloads while keeping their data within Kenya.
- The partnership marks a big step in Kenya’s digital journey and strengthens East Africa’s place in the global tech space.
- The new facility, NBOX1 Nairobi Campus, will host large computing tasks, ensuring high performance and energy efficiency.
- Key sectors like finance, retail, and manufacturing will benefit from secure, AI-powered innovations.
Safaricom has teamed up with iXAfrica in a deal that is set to shape the future of tech in East Africa. The partnership is expected to help companies and government bodies access advanced, flexible, and cost-effective systems for data handling, backups, and computing power. As businesses expand, the need for smarter digital solutions becomes urgent—and this collaboration is the answer.
Powering AI the Kenyan Way
Firms that are already using AI technology now have an opportunity to work with Safaricom directly and host their demanding systems locally. With this shift, Kenya positions itself to take a lead role in the global AI movement, ensuring the country isn’t left behind in this fast-moving trend.
A Turning Point for East Africa
This deal is being seen as more than just business—it’s a landmark in Kenya’s digital growth. It shows the country’s readiness to become a tech hotspot in Africa. Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom’s CEO, highlighted how critical strong and safe infrastructure is for powering innovation, especially for AI, across East Africa.
“As East Africa’s digital economy grows, businesses need strong, flexible, and secure tech systems. Our partnership with iXAfrica brings top-level data services while pushing for sustainable digital growth,” he said.
A Powerful Infrastructure for the Future
The partnership includes launching new enterprise cloud and data packages, starting at 350kW and expandable to over 1MW. These services will be linked with strong internet connections, all designed to support heavy AI systems that need serious power and cooling. The NBOX1 data center is built for exactly this.
Joining Strengths for a Digital Leap
Guy Willner, Chairman of iXAfrica, described the partnership as a mix of solid infrastructure and strong market presence. Safaricom’s deep reach in the region combined with iXAfrica’s tech strength will give companies a platform to innovate, expand, and grow.
“We’re blending our top-notch infrastructure with Safaricom’s unmatched market presence to grow digital innovation in the region,” said Willner.
Smart Tech for Local Use
The benefit of this local hosting is clear: businesses can now run advanced AI and digital tasks within Kenya’s borders. This means faster services, better compliance with local laws, and more trust from users and regulators alike. All services come under one trusted name—Safaricom.
Serving a Wider Region
The NBOX1 Nairobi Campus is built to handle up to 22.5MW, making it East Africa’s largest data center yet. With its smart design, it serves over 300 million people across the region and is built near strong fiber networks and low-carbon energy sources.
Industry-Specific Benefits
In finance, AI will help with fraud detection and personalized services. In retail and manufacturing, AI will boost supply chain planning, analyze real-time data, and predict customer needs—all while keeping operations local and secure.
Tapping into Kenya’s Natural Advantages
Kenya’s unique location and green energy supply—over 90% of its power comes from renewable sources—make it the perfect hub for digital progress. With 49 million Safaricom customers and a history of innovation in mobile and financial tech, the country is ready to lead Africa’s digital future.