The development makes Johannesburg the first ExpressRoute Metro location on the continent and gives businesses access to more resilient and secure cloud connectivity.

The designation means organisations can connect privately to Microsoft Azure through two peering locations within the Johannesburg metropolitan area. That built-in redundancy helps reduce the risk of service disruption for critical applications and workloads.

Africa Data Centres’ JHB1 facility now serves as the second peering location in Johannesburg to provide local ExpressRoute Metro capability. With Johannesburg joining a small group of global technology hubs offering the service, businesses operating in South Africa can strengthen business continuity while improving the reliability of their cloud services.

Cassava will deliver the service through its cloud and cybersecurity business, Liquid C2. Using its network presence across both peering locations, Liquid C2 will provide Secure CloudConnect, a managed service that combines private cloud connectivity with integrated cybersecurity for organisations using Microsoft Azure.

Ziaad Suleman, senior vice president of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana, said the designation of Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro is an important step for both the company and Africa’s digital infrastructure.

“Being designated a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location is a defining moment for Africa Data Centres as well as for Africa’s digital infrastructure. It reflects growing confidence in the continent’s ability to support the next generation of cloud and AI-driven services while demonstrating the strength of our One Cassava model. 

“By combining the infrastructure capabilities of Africa Data Centres with the cloud and cyber security expertise of Liquid C2, we are providing organisations with the resilient, secure, and trusted digital foundation they need to accelerate innovation and growth.”

The launch also comes as regulators place greater focus on operational resilience, business continuity, risk management and data protection. Cassava said Secure CloudConnect is designed to help organisations strengthen security, reduce the risk of downtime and simplify the management of increasingly complex cloud environments while supporting compliance requirements.

Customers will also work with a single provider for cloud connectivity and security services while running business-critical operations on infrastructure built for high availability.

Vukani Mngxati, CEO of Microsoft South Africa, said the new capability will support the country’s growing demand for trusted cloud infrastructure.

“South Africa isn’t waiting for the AI era – it’s helping to shape it, and that ambition rests on digital infrastructure the country can trust. With Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro now available in Johannesburg, organisations across South Africa gain a more resilient and secure path to the cloud for their most critical workloads. 

“When businesses can build on trusted, resilient foundations, they can move faster, compete on the global stage, and turn South Africa’s digital ambition into real economic impact. We are proud to work with Cassava Technologies to help make that happen.”

The deployment also strengthens Cassava Technologies’ growth in Africa’s cloud infrastructure market as demand grows for secure, high-performance digital services. 

Combining the data centre of Africa Data Centres with the cloud and cybersecurity services of Liquid C2 will help achieve the company’s plan to enable businesses across the continent build more resilient cloud environments while supporting digital transformation.

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This newly established centre will contribute to strengthening Airbus’ local presence and supporting the growth of the African ecosystem. Serving as a hub for customers in the region, the new office will provide tailored support and enhance operational efficiency.

The Customer Support Centre will drive the development of existing local capabilities ensuring access to maintenance and training resources while fostering a stronger, more collaborative ecosystem in the region.

By supporting the growth of the local aviation industry, Airbus aims to empower airlines and reinforce their autonomy. This will not only benefit airlines but the entire industry and local workforce.

“With the rapid expansion of the latest generation aircraft on the continent, Africa requires additional dedicated support and skills to meet the increasing demand for intra-African and international connectivity,” says Laurent Negre, VP Customer Services Africa and Middle East at Airbus. “We are proud to open this new office to increase our proximity to customers while continuing to support the development of solutions for Africa, in Africa, and by Africa.”

Airbus’ most recent Global Market Forecast, predicts that commercial demand for the African continent will reach 1460 passenger and freight aircraft by 2043, comprising 1210 single-aisle aircraft and 250 widebody aircraft.

Additionally, Airbus’ Global Services Forecast estimates that Africa will need to introduce 15 000 additional pilots, 20 000 mechanics to meet the surge in air travel demand.

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