[finid]

A few years ago I recall that IBM announced a plan to set up something in Kenya.

But don't blame the industry for not having a major datacenter anywhere on that continent. You need a stable power supply for that to make sense, which very few countries there have. Even Ghana that used to brag about that is now a basket case, last I checked.

[ams6110]

> You need a stable power supply for that to make sense

You also need a stable and at least substantially non-corrupt political situation, I would think? That rules out a lot of countries in Africa.

[Lordarminius]

> You also need a stable and at least substantially non-corrupt political situation...

That rules out a lot of countries in the world including Russia, USA, and Brazil :/

All facetiousness aside, I am really glad to learn of this development. It goes to show the dynamic potential locked up and waiting to be exploited in Africa. The infrastructure problems are not insurmountable and the high returns accruable to investors will more than compensate any willing entrepreneur.

Africa is not an investment destination for the future. It is an investment destination for today.

(On a related note, a company I am inolved with is starting a training school for the next generation of elite developers from Nigeria and we are searching for international technical and financial partners. I'd love to hear from any interested HN readers.

Email in profile.)

[sah2ed]

> Email in profile.

I don't see any email in your profile.

[Lordarminius]

My mistake. It's fixed now.

[e-mail]

[finid]

You also need a stable and at least substantially non-corrupt political situation

Actually that plays in the favor of foreign corporations, who are more likely to pony up bribes in your favorite foreign currency.

[mirajshah]

IBM launched their datacenter last year

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/49305.wss