Vertiv has partnered with Airtel Africa’s Nxtra division to provide infrastructure for a major data center expansion across Africa, starting with a 42MW facility in Nigeria. This collaboration, announced at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, aims to build one of the continent's largest networks of high-capacity data centers.

• The initial Nigerian data center, expected to be completed by 2028, will be developed in four phases, offering high-capacity, energy-efficient, and scalable infrastructure.
• Vertiv will supply thermal management systems, UPS solutions with batteries, and provide five years of maintenance through its established Nigerian service team.
• Nxtra CEO Yash Issur emphasized the need for a vendor with global capabilities and strong local presence to support their investment in high-quality data centers for Africa.
• Future projects are planned across Airtel Africa’s footprint, with a Nairobi-based site projected to surpass the Nigerian facility in capacity.

Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Kenya’s NCBA Group through its local subsidiary, Stanbic Holdings. This potential merger would create Kenya's third-largest lender with combined assets of approximately KES 1.1 trillion ($8.5 billion).

• NCBA's stock surged 9.7% to a record high of KES 76.25 following the news, reflecting investor confidence.
• The acquisition aligns with Standard Bank's strategy to strengthen its regional presence and comes amidst Kenya's Central Bank's push for banking sector consolidation.
• The proposed transaction would require multiple regulatory approvals, including from the Central Bank of Kenya and the Competition Authority.