iXAfrica Data Centers, a leading provider of advanced data center solutions in East Africa, has announced the successful launch of its NBOX1 facility.
This significant milestone marks the largest single deployment of IT power in Kenya, boasting an impressive 2.25MW capacity, powered by cutting-edge technology from Schneider Electric.
iXAfrica Data Centers and Schneider Electric have collaborated to create a state-of-the-art data center that prioritizes sustainability and reliability.
“By leveraging Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centers architecture, the NBOX1 facility is designed to deliver 99.999% operational uptime, ensuring uninterrupted service for mission-critical applications,” the data center noted via LinkedIn.
Key features of the NBOX1 facility include:
- Unmatched Power Capacity: 2.25MW of IT power, setting a new standard for data center deployments in Kenya.
- Advanced Technology: Powered by Schneider Electric’s innovative solutions, including LV & MV switchgear, to guarantee seamless operations.
- Sustainable Operations: Committed to environmental responsibility, the facility is designed to minimize its carbon footprint and maximize energy efficiency.
- Scalability: The modular design of the NBOX1 facility allows for easy expansion to meet future growth demands.
The launch of the NBOX1 facility represents a significant step forward in the development of Africa’s digital infrastructure. By providing reliable, scalable, and sustainable data center solutions, iXAfrica Data Centers is empowering businesses in Kenya to thrive in the digital age.
Kenya’s 1st Hyperscale Data Centre
In July 18, Schneider Electric and IXAfrica partnered to launch East Africa’s first and largest hypercloud data center, NBOX1.
This Tier 3+ facility, powered by Schneider Electric’s MV and LV switchgear, ensures stable and reliable cloud services using renewable energy from Kenya’s grid.
NBOX1 is a carrier-neutral, AI-ready data center designed to attract hyperscale and internet customers. It offers a customer experience comparable to facilities in North America and Western Europe.
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centers architecture and solutions provide NBOX1 with maximum resilience, uptime, cost efficiency, and enhanced security.
The facility is designed to meet IXAfrica’s sustainability goals.
NBOX1 is positioned in Kenya’s “Digital Savannah,” serving a population of over 300 million. It leverages Kenya’s advanced cloud adoption, skilled workforce, and diverse internet connectivity.
Schneider Electric’s power train solution, including power protection, distribution equipment, transformers, MV and LV switchgear, and a basic BMS, ensures power quality and reliability. The equipment meets IEC standards and local requirements, including considerations for Kenya’s grid and environmental conditions.
NBOX1 is “EcoStruxure-ready,” with components of the installed EcoStruxure for Data Centers platform solution, including Galaxy VX modular 3-phase UPS with Li-ion, PDUs, and LV and MV Switchgear.
This ensures N+1 redundancy with four independent power trains, meeting IXAfrica’s immediate and long-term objectives, including a 99.999% uptime guarantee.
The use of back-up lithium-ion batteries in conjunction with the Galaxy VX UPS provides a solution to challenges associated with the variability of renewable energy supply.
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centers enables high levels of data center performance, resilience, resource efficiency, and supports IXAfrica’s sustainability ambitions through energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions.
iXAfrica Data Centers noted it is dedicated to delivering world-class data center solutions to businesses across East Africa. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, iXAfrica is driving the digital transformation of the region.
“Kenya is a hypercloud-ready region with advanced cloud adoption propensities, a digitally savvy ecosystem, access to diverse internet fibre connectivity, high-availability and low-carbon sources of power. This all sits within a country offering a stable regulatory and political environment, and a strong economy forecast to grow 5.2 per cent in 2024,” said Snehar Shah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IXAfrica.

iXAfrica Data Centres and Moringa School Launch Kenya’s First Comprehensive Data Protection Course
iXAfrica Data Centres also recently joined forces with Moringa School, a technology skills training institution, to launch Kenya’s first comprehensive Data Protection course. The partnership aims to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in data protection and security, especially in light of Kenya’s robust Data Protection Regulation.
The course will cover a wide range of topics, including cloud fundamentals, data center management, and data security. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, the partnership seeks to enhance data security awareness and compliance across the nation.
Kenya’s Data Protection Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait highlighted the significance of this initiative in advancing Kenya’s position as a leader in data protection in Africa.
Ms Kassait commended the partnership, stating:“ODPC paid a courtesy call to iXAfrica Data Centre. In her remarks, the Data Commissioner noted the efforts put in place to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) ready data center and emphasized the need to take into consideration data protection compliance measures. She further congratulated iXAfrica Data Centre and Moringa School on their collaboration to train Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in data protection in light of the dynamic ICT and privacy landscape.”