Ethiopia to get first hyperscale data center
Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s government-owned telecommunications operator has announced its plans to develop a hyperscale data center in Ethiopia. The company claims it has engaged in strategic discussions with Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned enterprise, regarding the project.
“Our CEO, Frehiwot Tamru, has engaged in discussions with Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co. Ltd GM, Mr. Cal Kun regarding the construction of a hyperscale data center,” the company stated. “Shandong has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Ethio Telecom in both the construction and financing of the data center, forming a strategic partnership aimed at advancing Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure.”
While further details about the location, timeline, and specifications of the data center have not been disclosed, the collaboration signifies a key initiative for enhancing digital capabilities in the region.
Founded in 1997 and owned by the Shandong Provincial People’s Government,Shandong Hi-Speed Group has previously invested in the Chinese data center firm Vnet (formerly 21Vianet) and specializes in the investment, construction, and operation of various infrastructure projects, including highways and railways.
Ethio Telecom, which currently serves over 70 million subscribers, was the sole telecommunications operator in Ethiopia until the recent entry of Kenya-based Safaricom. The company previously launched a Huawei-built modular data center in Addis Ababa in 2021, which can host up to 800 servers and caters to both its operational needs and commercial customers.
Ethiopia has a growing data center market, with operators such as Wingu.Africa, Raxio group and Safaricom, establishing data centers in the country.
