Construction works on a 40MW hyperscale data centre in South Africa has kicked off. Teraco, a leading provider of interconnection platforms and data c
Construction works on a 40MW hyperscale data centre in South Africa has kicked off. Teraco, a leading provider of interconnection platforms and data centres in Africa broke grounds on the project at the Isando Campus in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg.
Funded by an R8 billion syndicated loan, this 40MW facility aims to enhance cloud capacity and support Africa’s digital transformation. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the dubbed JB7 will incorporate sustainable technologies, including advanced cooling systems that minimize energy and water usage.
JB7 will expand the Isando Campus’s critical power load to 110MW, with the total Teraco platform reaching 228MW across South Africa. Designed for environmental efficiency, JB7 will employ closed-loop chilled water systems and free-air cooling, ensuring industry-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE).
Artificial intelligence
The facility will offer access to over 250 network providers, subsea cable systems like Equiano and 2Africa, and Africa’s largest internet exchange point, NAPAfrica. The project supports increasing demand for hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence deployments, providing scalable and secure colocation solutions.
Part of the funding will support Teraco’s renewable energy initiatives, including a 120MW solar PV plant integrated into the Eskom grid. Jan Hnizdo, Teraco’s CEO, emphasized South Africa’s role as a hub for sub-Saharan cloud services and highlighted JB7’s potential to bolster enterprises’ digital strategies. This expansion aligns with Teraco’s ESG goals and contributes to addressing energy constraints while fostering innovation in the region.
The JB7 facility will not only cater to local enterprises but also enhance the capability of global cloud providers to serve the broader African market. With its advanced infrastructure and focus on sustainability, the project underscores Teraco’s commitment to supporting Africa’s digital economy responsibly and effectively.