Africell opens its first data center in Angola

A Africell takes another important step towards the launch of its services in Angola, with the inauguration of a data center in Luanda, today, 20 October.

The inauguration of the data center was attended by the Minister of Telecommunications, Technology and Social Communication, Manuel Homem, as well as the ambassador of the United States of America to Angola, Nina Fete, and this action is the result of a very significant financial investment and where it will be the cornerstone of Africell's network in Angola, aiming to provide a platform for a digital ecosystem for mobile network users, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Pleased to be in Luanda for the opening by @USAmbAngola of #USA🇺🇲-owned @Africellao's data center, a major step to the imminent launch in #Angola🇦🇴 of a high-speed 5G-enabled mobile network using infrastructure from @HP, @nokia, @Dell., @oracle & other secure non-#Chinatech. pic.twitter.com/Y6F8JY33Hj

—Dr. J. Peter Pham 🇺🇲 (@DrJPPham) October 20, 2021

"The opening of the data center is a significant milestone"Says Christopher Lundh, CEO of Africell Angola, where he added that “We want to lead the digital transformation. Africell is investing in technology that will provide Angola with faster, more affordable and more reliable digital connectivity than ever before. Africell's new data center has unique technological features, having been designed in collaboration with world-renowned technology partners and built to the highest standards of efficiency, performance and resilience. We are proud to present it today because it brings our digital vision to Angola to life and sets the tone for the future of our network".

From what the newsroom of MenosFios found, this data center is entirely cloud-based and uses state-of-the-art technology to achieve exceptional levels of resilience, reliability and interoperability.

Something peculiar to this data center is that it uses technology from international brands in its infrastructure, such as HP, Nokia, Dell and Oracle, in addition to Angolan partners such as CPC Africa, Jembas and Prosecurity that were involved in the design, construction and project implementation. The data center is located at Africell Angola's headquarters in Luanda, that is, in the Kings Tower building.

Please note that in addition to supporting Africell Angola's mobile network, this same data center will benefit national entrepreneurs and innovators by providing an open environment in which they can host, integrate and run their applications at a low cost, thus removing one of the main obstacles for a successful venture: limited access to key digital resources.

BUT: Africell and Angola Cables partner to ensure high quality internet in Angola

Africell's cloud networking capabilities will also provide fast global connectivity with which Angolan companies can more effectively compete in global markets.

Speaking to journalists, Christopher Lundh continues: “A project on this scale requires a lot of skill and hard work. We want to thank the General Tax Administration (AGT) for their support in clearing the equipment quickly and safely, as well as the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) for collaborating in the physical installation of the data center so that its more critical access and needs of energy could be met".

As with other Africell activities in Angola, the data center will create numerous jobs for highly qualified technicians in the areas of information technology, engineering and telecommunications. Functions will include IT services, infrastructure monitoring and maintenance, and ongoing energy security and performance analysis.

For Africell Angola, the opening of this data center is a clear example of the company's commitment to boost employment in Angola and transfer cutting-edge skills and knowledge to local employees.

The construction of the data center is part of Africell's strategy of leading the digital transformation in Angola, where it is currently completing the first phase of implementation of a mobile network capable of high-speed 5G. The launch of the network will accelerate employment, education, entertainment and entrepreneurship in Angola.

BUT: Africell signs agreement with Oracle to implement mobile services in Angola

Africell has formed a number of exciting technology partnerships with international and local companies (including Nokia, Oracle, Aviat, Angola Cables, MST Telecom, Angola Telecom, TPA and Infrasat) and others are in the final stage of implementation.

"I am very pleased with the progress of our operation here in Angola.", said Ziad Dalloul, President and CEO of Africell Group. "The solid foundations we are laying today, the terms of recruitment, investment and planning, will benefit our customers once we officially launch mobile network services. Africell is excited about the opportunity to bring unprecedented innovation to the Angolan telecommunications sector and look forward to offering Angolan mobile users a better and more affordable service than ever before.".