Staying ahead of project management needs
07 May 2025
Paul Mouton, Managing Director, Afrikamasts
In the evolving landscape of data centre construction and the independent storage of data, we have observed a significant increase in the need for an intermediary Project Management Office (PMO) to bridge the gap between clients, general contractors, and suppliers.
This growing demand for specialized coordination in complex data infrastructure projects has led AFM to establish a dedicated division – the Data Centre of Excellence.
This specialized department is staffed with highly skilled engineers who possess deep expertise across the entire construction lifecycle, ensuring seamless integration from inception to completion. We offer comprehensive services that span the entire construction process, from initial civil works through to the final system integrations.
Key roles essential to the success of data centre builds are encompassed within our offering, including:
Construction Project Manager: Responsible for overseeing the entire construction process, ensuring project timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
Project Scheduler: Ensures the project progresses on time by developing and maintaining detailed schedules and coordinating tasks across various stakeholders.
Project Engineer / Technical Coordinator: Provides technical support and coordination between project teams, ensuring that all engineering and technical requirements are met.
Quality Assurance Inspector: Ensures that all construction activities and systems adhere to required quality standards, minimizing risks and ensuring compliance.
MEP & OFCI Manager: Manages the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems, as well as Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) components, ensuring efficient installation and functionality.
Health & Safety Advisor: Oversees safety protocols on-site, ensuring that all construction activities are conducted in compliance with health and safety regulations.
Integration & Technical Infrastructure Manager: Manages the integration of IT infrastructure and systems into the data centre, ensuring that all technical aspects are aligned with the project's requirements.
Commissioning Manager: Oversees the commissioning of all systems, ensuring that all installations function as intended before the project is handed over.
As hyperscale cloud environments continue to grow, the infrastructure behind them is being pushed to its limits. Recognizing this shift, we've positioned ourselves as independent project managers for data centre builds, offering end-to-end oversight across all critical systems.