African telecommunications companies are rapidly building data centers powered by green energy to meet the increasing demand for digital services across the continent, especially as Africa boasts the world’s largest youth population. This trend is reinforced by the popularity of mobile internet access, with 60% of Africans already connecting via mobile devices, and forecasts indicate 167 million new mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2025, bringing the total to 623 million users.
Growth of Africa’s Digital Economy
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects that Africa’s internet economy will represent 5.2% of the continent’s GDP by 2025, adding approximately $180 billion. Leading telecom companies are investing in sustainable data center projects to support this growth and aid sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Kenya’s Safaricom, for example, is constructing three Tier 3+ data centers as part of its goal to transition into a tech-driven enterprise by 2030. The facilities are equipped with a rooftop solar PV system, with plans to expand to 2MWp, emphasizing Safaricom’s dedication to sustainability.
Nigeria Leads with Ambitious Data Center Projects
MTN Nigeria has undertaken the construction of a 1,500-rack, Tier 4 data center, which CEO Karl Olutokun Toriola states will be the largest in West Africa. Expected to support Nigerian businesses with cloud services, the center’s design incorporates eco-friendly cooling systems and renewable energy.
Airtel also entered the data center market with its Nxtra project, aiming to establish a robust network of high-capacity data centers across Africa. Similarly, Nxtra’s facilities prioritize energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
Addressing the Infrastructure Gap
Despite these advancements, the Africa Data Centres Association notes an infrastructure gap: Africa needs an additional 1,000 MW and 700 data centers to reach capacity levels seen in South Africa, the region’s current leader. While Africa comprises less than 2% of the global data center supply, countries like Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa are making strides to bridge this gap.
Africa’s Largest Digital Economies
Nigeria, with a digital economy worth $36.5 billion, leads Africa, followed by South Africa at $31.5 billion and Egypt at $26 billion. As Allied Market Research estimates the global data center market to reach $517.2 billion by 2030, African telcos continue to expand eco-friendly data centers to strengthen the continent’s digital infrastructure.
RELATED POSTS:
African Ministers Storm Norway for Energy Summit
Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo 2024 opens in Nairobi
FG, EU Sign £17.9M Power Development Agreement to Boost Nigeria’s Off-Grid Electricity Project
