Bloomberg: Microsoft's African data centre project stalls over payment demands
Bloomberg reports that Microsoft's flagship African data centre project has stalled amid disputes over local payment demands. The investment was billed as a key plank of regional AI infrastructure. The story was relayed widely via Investing.com.
Bloomberg, via Investing.com, reports that Microsoft's large data-centre investment in Africa has stalled because of disputes over local payment demands and contractual conditions. The project had been positioned as critical infrastructure for rapidly scaling artificial-intelligence capacity in the region.
According to the reports, authorities in the host country are pressing the U.S. company for additional local-currency payments and equity participation. Microsoft is said to argue that such demands are out of line with comparable global projects. Negotiations between the two sides are ongoing.
The uncertainty marks a notable inflection point in Africa's cloud-infrastructure race. Google, Amazon and Chinese rivals are also building regional data centres. The delay also revives wider questions about how much leverage African governments wield in bespoke contracts with global technology giants.
More from Africa
BBC analysis: The companies making billions from the Iran war
A BBC analysis highlights how prolonged fighting in the Iran war has lifted profits and share prices at defence, oil and LNG companies. For some firms, the conflict has translated into double-digit growth. Oil-exporting African economies are also part of the affected chain.
Mali junta leader names himself defence minister after predecessor killed
Mali's military junta leader has assumed the role of defence minister after his predecessor, Sadio Camara, was killed in a major offensive by combined jihadist and separatist forces.
BBC Uncovers Ugandan Scammers Abusing Dogs to Elicit Donations Abroad
A BBC Africa Eye investigation has revealed that a group of scammers in Uganda is deliberately injuring dogs and staging rescue scenes on social media to solicit donations from animal lovers abroad. The report has drawn condemnation from animal welfare groups at home and abroad.