Algerian Radio
Africa is set to triple its data center capacity by 2030, yet without exceeding 0.6% of the global IT infrastructure, according to a report published by the Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) in collaboration with Rising Advisory.
According to the document, the active IT load on the continent currently stands at 360 megawatts (MW), with 238 MW under construction and an additional 656 MW in the planning stages. If all projects come to fruition, the total capacity could reach approximately 1.2 gigawatts (GW).
Despite this expected expansion, Africa's share of global capacity is expected to remain largely unchanged due to accelerating investments in digital infrastructure in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the source specified.
Furthermore, the report highlights that power supply now constitutes the main constraint to the development of new sites, even more so than fiber optic connectivity.
Energy shortages and transmission losses, which can reach 25% in certain urban centers, are prompting operators to resort to long-term power purchase agreements, microgrids, or colocation with renewable energy infrastructure.
More than 40 African countries have adopted data protection legislation, while 15 states have formalized national artificial intelligence strategies, illustrating a growing trend towards digital sovereignty and local data hosting.
"It is not just a matter of technological catch-up, but a race against time to prevent Africa from being permanently excluded from the new global artificial intelligence economy," stated ADCA President Faith Waithaka.
