logo
Africa Data Centres and Blue Turtle Technologies partner to accelerate South Africa's digital infrastructure and cloud transformation

Africa Data Centres and Blue Turtle Technologies partner to accelerate South Africa's digital infrastructure and cloud transformation

Zawya17-06-2025
Africa Data Centres (https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has formed a commercial partnership with Blue Turtle Technologies, one of South Africa's leading enterprise IT solutions providers, to deploy colocation services in the Cape Town and Midrand data centres. This agreement marks a significant step in expanding South Africa's enterprise cloud and digital infrastructure ecosystem, enabling secure, scalable, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services for local enterprise customers.
The partnership enables Blue Turtle Technologies to deploy several racks, providing their enterprise clients with access to world-class, secure, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services. Additionally, this collaboration will also allow South African businesses the opportunity to rapidly embrace cloud computing, digital transformation, and data-driven operations in a scalable, compliant, and high-performance colocation environment.
'This partnership enables us to offer customers trusted colocation and private cloud solutions in two of South Africa's most strategic data centre locations,' said Jan Hitge, Business Development Manager, Managed Services at Blue Turtle Technologies. 'As enterprise clients increasingly look for secure, scalable, and cost-efficient alternatives to on-premises infrastructure, we anticipate strong market uptake - a confidence reflected in the accelerated ramp-up timeline we've committed to.'
By providing high-availability colocation services backed by regulatory compliance, low-latency connectivity, and disaster recovery capabilities, the partnership is expected to support enterprises in modernising their IT environments, enhancing security posture, and meeting evolving data sovereignty requirements under laws such as South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
'This agreement is about more than just filling racks; it's about enabling digital transformation across the economy,' said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. 'Blue Turtle brings a strong client base and the ability to scale rapidly, making them an ideal partner in our mission to deliver secure, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure across South Africa. As demand for trusted infrastructure continues to climb, we will work towards this partnership evolving to support broader cloud initiatives, edge computing, and AI-ready infrastructure deployments.'
With commercial partners like Blue Turtle, Africa Data Centres continues to expand its footprint and impact across the continent, powering the next phase of enterprise transformation and solidifying South Africa's status as a leading technology hub in Africa.
Africa Data Centres, which operates the continent's largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, will benefit from Blue Turtle's strong go-to-market capabilities and proven track record in delivering IT solutions to South Africa's enterprise sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.
Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyperscale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Orange Middle East and Africa releases its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility report
Orange Middle East and Africa releases its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility report

Zawya

time3 hours ago

  • Zawya

Orange Middle East and Africa releases its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility report

The report comes at a pivotal time for Africa and the Middle East, where digital, energy, economic and financial transitions are driving deep and progressive societal shifts CASABLANCA, Morocco/ -- Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) ( unveils its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. Entitled 'Cultivating Impact', the report illustrates Orange's commitment to a sustainable, inclusive transformation grounded in the realities of the 17 countries in which the brand operates. A transformation rooted in usage, skills, and territories The report comes at a pivotal time for Africa and the Middle East, where digital, energy, economic and financial transitions are driving deep and progressive societal shifts. One clear guiding principle emerges: human-centered digital technology. It takes shape in everyday uses, built on access to resilient, optimized, and low-carbon digital infrastructure, and a strong commitment to the circular economy through the recovery, refurbishment, and recycling of network and mobile equipment allowing millions to fully experience the digital age, even in the most remote areas. This transformation is accelerated by solutions such as Max it, OMEA's super-app as a new lever for inclusion, Orange Money and Orange Bank Africa for financial inclusion, and Orange Energies for energy inclusion. A commitment rooted in the realities of Africa and the Middle East Throughout the report, OMEA's role as a key player in regional transformation is reflected in a clear and committed vision: a development model that combines economic performance with social responsibility. In the 17 countries where the Group operates, Orange works closely with local realities to meet the specific needs of each territory. Driven by its 18,000 employees, this shared ambition is embodied in the company's operations and in the #OrangeEngageforChange program, which rallies employees around high-impact, socially driven projects. This culture of impact is also reflected in the millions of opportunities made available to youth, women, and entrepreneurs through free inclusion initiatives like the Orange Digital Centers, which have already trained and supported 1.2 million people. The company's commitment also translates into concrete actions in health, culture, ecosystem preservation, and community resilience. Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, comments: 'Cultivating impact means anchoring our mission in people's daily lives by turning our commitments into meaningful, lasting actions. In 2025 we will continue, together, to accelerate this positive transformation to build a fairer, more inclusive, and more resilient future.' Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director, CSR, Orange Digital Center and Communications for Orange Middle East and Africa, concludes: 'Our responsibility is to act in a way that is concrete, measurable, and aligned with local challenges. Every action we take only matters if it brings tangible progress for women, youth, entrepreneurs, and the communities we serve.' To discover and download Orange Middle East and Africa's 2024 CSR report: Rapport RSE OMEA 2024 - EN ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa. Press contact: Stella Fumey About Orange Middle-East and Africa (OMEA): Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has 161 million customers at 31 December 2024. With 7.7 billion euros of revenues in 2024, Orange MEA is the first growth area in the Orange group. Orange Money, its flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has more than 100 million customers. Orange, multi-services operator, key partner of the digital transformation provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East. SOURCE: Orange Middle East and Africa

Anglo American Zimele opens global doors for South Africa's youth
Anglo American Zimele opens global doors for South Africa's youth

Zawya

time3 hours ago

  • Zawya

Anglo American Zimele opens global doors for South Africa's youth

From rural South Africa to luxury cruise liners, a new generation is rising confident, skilled, and globally connected. From the quiet streets of Limpopo and Rustenburg to the dazzling coastlines of the Caribbean and Europe, a powerful new story is unfolding, one of transformation, mobility, and second chances. Through a visionary partnership between Anglo American Zimele, Summit, and Silversea, dozens of unemployed youth from disadvantaged backgrounds are being trained in international hospitality and placed into life-changing work opportunities aboard luxury cruise ships. And they're not just travelling; they're thriving. "This is a great milestone for the programme and youth development in our host communities," says Larisha Naidoo, head of Anglo American Zimele. "Youth unemployment remains one of the major challenges that South Africa is facing, and this partnership is one of the ways we are contributing to reducing unemployment and poverty in the areas where we operate through impactful skilling." The programme combines hospitality training, personal development, and international placement to provide young people with the tools, mindset, and opportunity to succeed beyond borders. From no opportunities to global experiences For many participants, this is their first formal job, their first flight, and their first time leaving South Africa. But more than anything, it's their first real encounter with dignity and possibility. 'This is not just about employment. It's about reclaiming identity,' shares one of the programme leads from Summit. 'These young people left behind communities where poverty had swallowed hope. Now, they're earning international salaries, learning new cultures, and believing in themselves in ways that once felt out of reach.' And the numbers tell only part of the story. Some have used their income to build homes. Others are supporting their entire households. Many are saving to start businesses of their own. The financial impact is real, but the personal growth is where the magic lives. 'I never thought I'd make it out' Behind every uniform and passport stamp is a story. A young woman who once dropped out of school due to finances is now working in Europe and supporting her siblings. A young man who had never seen the ocean, now docking in cities across the Mediterranean, learning languages, and sending money home to his grandmother. 'I never thought I'd make it out,' says one participant stationed in Italy. "I used to wake up every day wondering if life would ever change. Now, I wake up in a new country with a sense of purpose and pride I've never felt before." They speak about the discipline they've developed, the friendships they've formed across cultures, and the way this experience has redefined what they believe is possible. Beyond jobs: Building personal brands and future leaders The transformation doesn't stop at the sea. As part of the programme's aftercare and reintegration phase, returned beneficiaries are now being supported through personal branding and career development workshops, ensuring their global experience becomes a launchpad for even greater opportunities. Masterclasses have begun across provinces, starting with Limpopo, where returned seafarers are now learning to articulate their stories, update their CVs, and position themselves for long-term career growth, whether in hospitality, entrepreneurship, or beyond. They are no longer just "former cruise workers." They are global citizens, future business owners, community role models, and storytellers of resilience. A model for youth empowerment done right As Youth Month comes to a close, this partnership offers more than inspiration; it presents a blueprint for real, measurable impact. It proves what happens when corporate responsibility meets intentional investment, and when community-rooted initiatives are paired with global-scale opportunity. Back home, families are hopeful. Communities are inspired. And a generation that once felt forgotten is finally being seen, supported, and celebrated. This isn't just youth development - it's nation-building. Because when we dare to believe in the potential of our young people, they show us exactly what they're capable of, and the world, quite literally, becomes their stage.

South Africa's legislative compliance: How retailers can reach net zero?
South Africa's legislative compliance: How retailers can reach net zero?

Zawya

time3 hours ago

  • Zawya

South Africa's legislative compliance: How retailers can reach net zero?

The growing environmental impact of the retail industry has again made headlines in recent weeks, with France's senate approving a bill that directly addresses the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry. The bill proposes to regulate overproduction and overconsumption and is now under consideration by a joint committee of deputies and senators. This latest legislative development builds on the 2024 adoption of proposals by the European Parliament to broaden the scope of recycling obligations for fashion brands and to introduce new food waste reduction targets for EU member states. While the EU has applied direct pressure to retailers through targeted legislation, a broader set of regulatory and reputational considerations applies in South Africa, spurring a trend among South African retailers towards alignment with global sustainability standards. In this article, we unpack key legal and reputational considerations for the South African retail industry as businesses progress on their net zero journey. Decarbonisation and supply chains Prioritising a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across operations and supply chains is foundational to the sustainability strategy of any business and requires net reductions across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This is a particular challenge for retailers, whose scope 3 emissions, derived from indirect emissions in the value chain, often constitute the majority of the retailer's carbon footprint. Given the high impact of scope 3 emissions, retailers will struggle to set and achieve meaningful net zero targets without understanding and prioritising their supply chains. Mapping supply chains, assessing environmental and social impacts throughout, and promoting sustainable practices among suppliers are therefore crucial steps. While supply chain due diligence is not yet a legislative requirement across most jurisdictions, retailers who engage thoroughly with their supply chains will be better positioned to build meaningful net zero targets, report on those targets, and ultimately meet legislative obligations, which are anticipated to come into force in the coming years. Reporting and disclosures The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is an EU initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and standardising sustainability reporting across companies. As of June 2025, the CSRD is undergoing revisions to simplify reporting requirements, with implementation delays and scope adjustments proposed to reduce burdens on businesses while maintaining core sustainability objectives. Implementation of CSRD has, however, commenced. As more businesses are brought within its scope, sustainability reporting requirements will intensify for EU companies and their supply chains. Retailers in South Africa may take the view that the incentive for ESG reporting is currently low, given the slow implementation of the CSRD in the EU and the absence of mandatory reporting requirements locally. However, demonstrating progress towards net zero is underpinned by accurate reporting. With consumers increasingly seeking more sustainable retail options, retailers must ensure that their sustainability claims are credible and backed by data, or risk facing greenwashing claims. South Africa's Advertising Regulatory Board recently published a draft Sustainability Code to address greenwashing. The draft code establishes definitions and guidelines for various environmental claims, including composability, recyclability, and carbon neutrality of products. Given the legal and reputational risks associated with unsubstantiated sustainability statements, thorough and transparent reporting is the only viable solution. A proactive and data-based approach to sustainability reporting will enable retailers to prepare for mandatory reporting obligations, while maintaining credibility with consumers and stakeholders. South African legislation South Africa has a robust environmental regulatory framework, and any company's net zero journey should begin with legislative compliance. From an operational perspective, certain provisions of the Climate Change Act, 2024 recently came into force in South Africa. These provisions pave the way for the government to determine sectoral emission targets (SETs) for GHG-emitting sectors and sub-sectors, as well as to establish a GHG emission threshold to decide which entities will be allocated a carbon budget once the remaining provisions of the Act come into force. Draft SETs were published in April 2024, including those for the trade and industry sector, which covers all manufacturing and production in the country. An important regulatory intervention which retailers should be considering is the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which seeks to extend a defined producer's financial or physical responsibility for its products across the products' life cycle, to the post-consumer stage (ie. post-consumption waste recovery, recycling and disposal, and the end-of-life management of the products and their resultant wastes). EPR Regulations, published under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008, regulate problematic waste streams resulting from public consumption of certain products, as set out in various sector notices. EPR sector notices have been published for the electrical and electronic equipment; lighting; paper, packaging and some single use products; portable batteries; pesticides and lubricant oil sectors. Regulators are increasingly doubling down on EPR 'free riders'. Businesses that manufacture, convert, import, refurbish or distribute any regulated identified products, or make or sell them under a brand label, are reminded to ensure compliance with these laws, as well as ensuring that their efforts towards net zero or circular economy initiatives are aligned with the regulations and related policy guidelines. Reputation management Although South African companies are not yet compelled by legislation to report on sustainability, many choose to make public statements and disclosures about their targets and performance. These public statements must, however, be carefully considered and substantiated. In August 2024, South Africa saw its first successful greenwashing case, in which TotalEnergies was found guilty of greenwashing by the Advertising Regulatory Board. While public scrutiny of the environmental and social impact of large companies is increasing, cases like this serve as a warning to businesses against making overly broad or misleading sustainability-related claims, which may result in reputational harm, litigation or other consequences. Setting net zero targets is a priority for many retailers in South Africa, even though the targeted legislative interventions on sustainability reporting and due diligence seen in the EU are not yet directly impacting South African businesses. Aligning these targets with global reporting standards, conducting comprehensive supply chain due diligence, ensuring compliance with local environmental regulations and managing reputational risk will support businesses on their net zero journey, and ultimately pay off as more companies fall within the scope of ESG legislation.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store