Orange Business has completed the first phase of data center infrastructure in Egypt's New Administrative Capital for Grifols Egypt for Plasma Derivatives (GEPD).

In addition to the data center, Orange Business is providing communications infrastructure for GEPD in the Medical City within the New Capital, a satellite city of Cairo.

Orange is providing GEPD colocation services via the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD) commercial and telco data center, including communication services, support in equipment procurement, and professional services during the project build-up and upcoming operations.

GEPD is a joint venture between Egypt's National Service Projects Organization and healthcare company Grifols. GEPD aims to enable Egypt to achieve "self-sufficiency" within plasma-derived medicines.

The ACUD data center can provide colocation services and cloud hosting options and is design, build, and operate (DBO) certified.

Kristof Symons, CEO of international at Orange Business said: “We are delighted to put our experience at the service of this vital national health project in Egypt, and to contribute to its implementation and operations. This ambitious project empowered by GEPD should be an example of how private and government institutions are in the best position to enable fundamental changes for a country.”

Dr. Ahmed Serag, chief strategy and projects officer for GEPD, added: "We are glad to announce this successful collaboration with Orange Business. This achievement enhances the GEPD strategy that prioritizes utilizing cutting-edge technologies while ensuring a positive impact on the industry, economy, and most importantly the quality of life for Egyptian patients."

According to Dr. Serag, Grifols Egypt WAN, will interconnect critical facilities, including the plasma laboratory, colocation data center, plasma warehouse, 20 plasma donation centers, and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

"This comprehensive network infrastructure will ensure efficient operations and the timely delivery of plasma-derived medicines to patients in need,” said Dr. Serag.

Orange announced plans to develop the ACUD data center in November 2021. The estimated cost of the facility at the time was $135 million, and was set to host all smart city platforms of the New Administrative Capital.

The Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD) is a state-backed company contracting the telco's regional subsidiary. DCD reported on the signing of the contract between Orange and ACUD in January 2020 which would see Orange providing the necessary digital infrastructure for the city.