Schneider Electric has announced its role as the power infrastructure provider for NBOX1, East Africa’s largest hyperscale, AI-ready, and carrier-neutral data centre, operated by iXAfrica Data Centres.
In a statement on Sunday, the company highlighted that its solutions, including medium voltage and low voltage switchgear, are key to ensuring stable and reliable cloud services at the facility, which is powered by Kenya’s renewable energy grid.
Located in Nairobi, NBOX1 is designed to support cloud, colocation, and connectivity services, providing a world-class digital environment on par with leading facilities in North America and Europe.
Schneider Electric said it supplied the facility with an extensive power solution, including power protection, distribution equipment, transformers, and a building management system.
It added ensuring both international IEC standards and local requirements are met, particularly considering Kenya’s unique power grid and environmental conditions.
Snehar Shah, CEO of iXAfrica, emphasised Kenya’s readiness for hyper-scale cloud infrastructure, highlighting the country’s conducive environment for cloud adoption and digital innovation.
“Kenya has the digital infrastructure, reliable energy mix, and stable regulatory environment necessary to support the continued growth of the data centre sector.”
Kenya’s data centre market has seen rapid growth, driven by sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce, with a forecasted 50 per cent increase in capacity by 2026.
Schneider’s involvement in the NBOX1 facility comes as part of a broader effort to support Kenya’s digital transformation and bolster its position as a regional digital hub.
The NBOX1 facility was backed by a $50m investment from private equity firm Helios and serves a population of over 300 million people in East Africa.
Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Secure Power, Anglophone Africa, Ben Selier, reiterated the importance of sustainable practices: “We are proud to partner with organisations like iXAfrica to create environmentally conscious data centres that meet the demands of the future.”
Shah also highlighted the strong relationship between Africa and Schneider Electric, noting that the new campus was built on land formerly part of Schneider Electric’s complex, with power engineering designed by Schneider’s local partners.
“We’re delighted to work with Schneider Electric, a company that shares our passion for sustainability and operational excellence,” he concluded.