Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Africa Working Group seeks to engage with CISPE on matters of mutual importance
6th December 2021. Today the Digital Council Africa’s Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Africa Working Group (DCA CISPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Europe (CISPE) under which both associations agree to cooperate to educate, raise awareness and clarity over the essential contributions of cloud infrastructure providers in their respective regions. Key among these aims is to ensure a fair and contestable market for cloud infrastructure services in their regions and commitments to sustainable digital infrastructure, data protection, fair software licensing, and portability of data.
Specifically, the cooperation will provide a framework for joint activities to promote a clear understanding of cloud infrastructure’s role as distinct from other aspects of cloud computing. This distinction is essential to ensure precise and effective regulation, foster widespread adoption, and ensure a fair and open market for cloud infrastructure services. In addition, the MOU establishes the framework for adherence for members of both associations to key initiatives developed by CISPE, including its Code of Conduct for Data Protection, the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, and the Ten Principles of Fair Software Licensing. Initiatives and campaigns to promote awareness of these initiatives among customers in both regions will also be planned and executed by the parties.
Commenting on the agreement Alban Schmutz, Chairman of CISPE, said, “CISPE has been in close contact with Digital Council Africa over several months, and it is gratifying to take our relationship to this new level. With a similar agreement signed with Israeli cloud infrastructure providers last week, we see a growing understanding of the critical role our members play in delivering the digital economies that governments and societies are keen to build worldwide. We are looking forward to working with the DCA CISPA chapter to ensure that this growth is accelerated through mutual understanding and action.”
Juanita Clark, CEO of DCA, added, “CISPE has already created an impressive array of initiatives, documents and Codes of Conduct that will provide firm foundations for our work. The issues and opportunities our members see are broadly similar to those in Europe. By collaborating, we can learn from the other and provide mutual support. I am looking forward to very productive cooperation with CISPE.”
Initially, the two organisations have established Working Groups to examine five critical themes: Climate Neutral Data Centres; Data Protection; Fair Competition and Freedom of Choice for cloud infrastructure service customers; cloud infrastructure portability and reversibility. Cloud First Public Procurement Policies. Both associations will promote these critical concepts to members and their customers through communications, marketing, events, and direct stakeholder outreach.