Actis acquires Rack Centre stake

By Lucas Ajanaku

Leading investor of private capital into global emerging markets, Actis, has acquired majority stake in Rack Centre, Nigeria’s leading provider of data centre co-location and cloud services.

Actis’ decision was taken after a detailed assessment of the players in the African market and selected Rack Centre with the most significant potential to grow and expand in Africa.

Rack Centre is owned by Jagal, the Nigerian conglomerate holding that operates leading energy businesses and manages a diverse portfolio of investments.

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Since starting operations in Lagos in 2013, Rack Centre has consistently set the quality bar in the industry in Africa, being the first on the continent to be Tier III Constructed Facility Certified in April 2017 with a global reputation for excellence and consistently, winning multiple global awards. Rack Centre has the largest installed capacity in West Africa with a range of over 80 blue chip international, multi-national and local clients. With over 35 carriers, Internet Service Providers, Mobile Network Operators present, and hosting the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria; it is the most connected, carrier neutral, Tier III certified data centre in sub-Sahara Africa, with every country on the Atlantic coast of Africa directly connected.

Head of Real Estate at Actis, David Morley, said: “We have been tracking the data centre market in Africa closely, building relationships with key operators and customers. Africa is at an inflection point and we expect to see an explosion in growth of demand for hosting capacity in independently owned data centres across the continent.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Rack Centre and its parent company Jagal.  Together they have built a strong business of international repute, hosting a compelling mix of customers ranging from leading Nigerian corporates to global cloud majors.”

Also speaking on the deal, the CEO of Jagal, Maher Jarmakani,  said: “Jagal is excited with its new partnership with Actis.”

Rack Centre has developed into a leading and respected African brand and it is now at a critical stage for investment and growth. Actis understands global and emerging markets and will be a fantastic partner for the next phase of the Rack Centre journey.”