Nxtra by Airtel powers up east Africa's greenest data centre hub

In the heart of East Africa, Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is fast becoming the continent's pre-eminent data centre hub. At the forefront of this initiative is Nxtra by Airtel, a new 44MW sustainable data centre set to redefine digital infrastructure with its commitment to green energy.

Partnering with Tatu City, Nxtra benefits from 95% of its energy demands being sourced from renewable resources, establishing the location as a hallmark of sustainable operations. This symbiosis not only highlights an eco-friendly shift but sets new standards for data centre investors globally.

The Nxtra Data Center aims to supply 44MW of IT power capacity in carefully planned segments. This capacity will support cutting-edge servers and GPU-ready racks, guaranteeing an impressive 99.999% uptime. With multiple redundant fibre paths and advanced security infrastructure, the facility stands as a beacon of reliability and technological advancement.

Leading these developments, Tatu City has poured significant investments into its infrastructure. Facilities feature a robust 135MVA power substation, 24/7 industrial water supply, and an extensive 70km road network alongside 120km of underground fibre. Unique in its comprehensive integration with both local and international standards, the city ensures uninterrupted resources, making it an attractive proposition for data-centre operations.

Stephen Jennings, Founder & CEO of Rendeavour, the owner and developer of Tatu City describes it as a focal point for data-centre excellence in East Africa. He highlights how the decade-spanning investment aligns with Airtel's vision through the establishment of Nxtra in the region.

Yashnath Issur, CEO, Data Centre at Airtel Africa, emphasises the project’s grand scale and aspirations. "By building the largest data centre in East Africa," Issur states, "we are laying the groundwork for a thriving digital ecosystem that empowers businesses, supports governments, and unlock new opportunities for communities across the region. Beyond capacity, our focus is on sustainability and resilience..."

Tatu City also prides itself on its unmatched renewable energy offerings, with 95% of energy coming from renewables. One-third of its energy requirement comes directly from solar power. When combined with Kenya's largely renewable energy grid, the city offers a seamless blend of efficiency and sustainability.

Tatu City SEZ hosts over 25,000 individuals who live, work, and study in the area. It currently has 4,500 completed homes and houses prominent businesses such as Emirates Logistics and Heineken. These companies benefit from significant incentives, including a 10% corporate tax rate in their first decade of operation, paired with VAT and duty exemptions.

As Kenya's national and regional business landscapes evolve, Tatu City stands poised at the cutting edge, ready to foster innovation and growth with clean energy driving its future.