Digital Parks Africa: Empowering an AI-Driven Future in South Africa

Revolutionising South Africa’s Data Centre Landscape

Digital Parks Africa (DPA), a 100% South African-owned data centre operator, is paving the way for an AI-enabled future with innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Founded in 2017, DPA has rapidly become a trusted partner for South Africa’s largest enterprises, offering carrier-neutral colocation services tailored to the evolving needs of modern businesses.

The Rise of Colocation and AI-Optimised Data Centres

As cloud computing gained traction, organisations increasingly sought colocation hosting as a superior alternative to on-premise data centres. DPA addressed this need by providing flexible solutions that align with organisational priorities such as cost control, risk mitigation, and revenue assurance.

“Delivering what the local market required is what inspired the founding of Digital Parks Africa,” says Wiaan Vermaak, Chief Commercial Officer. “Our ongoing investment in market-leading solutions has made us the partner of choice for South African businesses.”

Innovative and Scalable Design

DPA’s modular design approach allows seamless scalability for clients of all sizes:

• From a quarter cabinet for small businesses to a 500-cabinet large-scale deployment for hyperscalers.
• Customised spaces to meet unique client demands, including tailored cooling and power backup systems to accommodate AI’s high energy requirements.

The company’s self-contained pods ensure complete client control, enhancing security, efficiency, and fire prevention.

Leveraging Internal Expertise for Excellence

Unlike competitors relying on external analysts, DPA boasts an in-house team of Tier-3 certified architects and engineers with over 25 years of global experience. This self-reliance ensures cost efficiency, allowing DPA to pass savings directly to customers.

“Our internal expertise sets us apart, ensuring precision and cost-effectiveness,” says Vermaak.

AI Adoption Made Accessible

DPA is collaborating with Boston IT Solutions South Africa to lower barriers to AI adoption. Their joint initiative offers:

• Scalable, high-performance GPU infrastructure.
• AI Progression as a Service (PRaaS) to simplify adoption with transparent, cost-effective billing.

These solutions aim to democratise access to AI, addressing challenges like high costs and technical complexity.

Future-Ready Innovations

DPA is also exploring technologies like low and medium earth-orbit satellite services to further enhance latency and efficiency.

“Colocating with the right data centre is critical for cost-effective and sustainable hosting,” notes Vermaak. DPA’s Samrand facility is a testament to its commitment to future-proofing Africa’s digital infrastructure.