Microsoft has announced plans to build a cutting-edge data centre campus in Kosmosdal, Centurion, South Africa, marking a significant investment in the nation's technology infrastructure and reinforcing the tech giant's commitment to enhancing data management capabilities in the region.

The project, which is still in its early stages, aims to expand Microsoft's cloud infrastructure within South Africa to cater to the increasing demand for cloud and AI services and solutions from both public sector entities and private organizations across Africa.

Microsoft expressed its enthusiasm for collaborating with the Kosmosdal municipality, local organizations, and residents to develop the data centre in a manner that prioritizes sustainability.

Previously, Microsoft inaugurated its first data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town in March 2019, becoming one of the initial "hyperscalers" to launch cloud computing services in South Africa. The company further expanded its cloud services by introducing Azure Availability Zones in the South Africa North region in October 2021. With a 30-year history in South Africa, Microsoft has committed to driving technological transformation, and digital empowerment, and making significant contributions to infrastructure, innovation, skills, and enterprise development in the country.

Microsoft Data Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

This new data centre campus represents the next step in Microsoft's ongoing effort to support and accelerate digital transformation across South Africa and the entire African continent, with a focus on inclusivity, reliability, and responsible practices.

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In a related development, Microsoft is exploring an ambitious investment plan in South Africa, which may include powering future data centres with nuclear energy. A job listing for a Principal Program Manager for Nuclear Technology indicated the company's interest in small nuclear power plants as a potential energy source for its data centres. This move aligns with Microsoft's exploration of sustainable and innovative energy solutions for its extensive global network of data centres.

The announcement of Microsoft's new data centre in South Africa comes at a time when other tech giants, such as Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS), are also expanding their cloud infrastructure in the country, highlighting the increasing value and investment in cloud solutions among South African organizations.