Microsoft’s African data center falters on payment demands, Bloomberg News reports
Key takeaways
- In May 2024, Microsoft partnered with UAE-based AI firm G42 to invest $1 billion in a data center in Kenya as part of its efforts to expand cloud-computing services in East Africa.
- The facility was set to run entirely on geothermal power as well as provide access to Microsoft’s Azure through a cloud region for East Africa.
- The Bloomberg report added that the group might ultimately decide to scale back the project.
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize A Microsoft data center site in East Africa has been delayed by disagreements with the Kenyan government over the company’s request for guaranteed payments, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday citing people familiar with the matter.
In May 2024, Microsoft partnered with UAE-based AI firm G42 to invest $1 billion in a data center in Kenya as part of its efforts to expand cloud-computing services in East Africa. The project was announced during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington under the Biden administration.
The facility was set to run entirely on geothermal power as well as provide access to Microsoft’s Azure through a cloud region for East Africa.