Wingu Africa Expands Data Centre Operations in Tanzania

Wednesday, 19th March 2025

By Inafrika Reporter
Dar es Salaam – Wingu Africa, a leading force in Africa’s digital transformation, has unveiled the second phase of its state-of-the-art data centre in Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s technological evolution.

The $50 million expansion is poised to enhance Tanzania’s digital infrastructure, solidifying its position as a key player in the rapidly growing global digital economy. Speaking at the launch event in Dar es Salaam, Wingu Africa CEO Anthony Voscarides emphasized the strategic importance of the new Tier 3 data centre, which forms part of the company’s broader expansion across Africa.

Designed to accommodate the increasing demand for data processing and cloud services, the new facility is set to support industries that rely on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and high-speed digital transactions.

“As the world transitions towards data-driven technologies, Africa must be prepared to meet the power and connectivity demands of these systems. This facility will play a crucial role in ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital transformation across the continent,” Mr. Voscarides remarked.

Located in Mbezi Industrial Area, the expanded centre is now Tanzania’s most connected data hub, with direct interconnections to 13 network operators. This robust infrastructure is designed to retain local internet traffic within the country, thereby reducing latency and lowering operational costs for businesses and consumers alike.

“With a 99.983% uptime guarantee, the facility is built to deliver uninterrupted service, a critical requirement for businesses dependent on cloud-based operations, e-commerce platforms, and digital financial services,” he added.

Mr. Voscarides further underscored the investment’s pivotal role in ensuring Tanzania remains competitive in the digital economy.

“In industries such as high-speed trading and digital finance, even a fraction of a second of latency can make a substantial difference. This new facility provides Tanzanian enterprises with a strategic advantage by minimizing delays and optimizing efficiency,” he said.

The expansion includes the addition of 80 high-density racks, increasing the total capacity to 110 racks. This upgrade is tailored to meet the demands of financial institutions and technology firms, which require secure, high-performance data storage solutions.

The financial sector, in particular, has been a frontrunner in digital adoption, with banks and fintech companies relying on secure data centres to facilitate transactions and safeguard sensitive customer data. The new facility will enhance their operational capacity and resilience.

Speaking on behalf of the Tanzania Internet Service Providers Association (TISPA), Secretary-General Noah Maina highlighted the significance of this development.

“By extending the internet exchange to Wingu Africa’s data centre, we ensure that data traffic remains within Tanzania, which enhances network efficiency, reduces costs, and optimizes overall digital performance for all operators,” Mr. Maina stated.

The collaboration between Wingu Africa and TISPA is expected to fortify Tanzania’s digital infrastructure and accelerate the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.

The Tanzanian government has played an instrumental role in fostering a stable regulatory environment for technological investments, ensuring that enterprises like Wingu Africa can expand their footprint while contributing to national digitalization goals.

As Tanzania strengthens its position as a digital hub in East Africa, investments like Wingu Africa’s data centre expansion are set to drive economic growth, enhance digital inclusion, and support the country’s long-term vision for technological advancement.