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Data centres form the backbone of virtually every digital interaction today-from financial transactions and AI computations to streaming platforms, social media uploads, healthcare records, fintech solutions, airline reservations, and government services.
In 2025, Africa is witnessing an unprecedented surge in digital transformation. Accelerated internet access, widespread mobile connectivity, rapid fintech growth, and an increasing reliance on cloud computing and artificial intelligence are driving a significant expansion in data centre infrastructure across the continent.
Despite currently accounting for less than 1% of the world’s total data centre capacity, Africa’s distribution of these facilities highlights emerging digital powerhouses and signals where future investments are likely to concentrate.
While some nations have firmly established themselves as leaders by developing robust digital infrastructure to compete globally, others are quietly advancing through strategic investments, regulatory reforms, and enhanced telecommunications networks.
Leading African Nations in Data Centre Development for 2025
1. South Africa – 56 Data Centres
South Africa continues to dominate Africa’s digital landscape with the continent’s most sophisticated data centre ecosystem. Hosting a mix of hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise facilities, cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town serve as hubs for global cloud giants such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Huawei. This positions South Africa as the primary gateway for cloud services across Africa.
Its reliable energy supply, advanced telecommunications infrastructure, and mature technology market attract substantial foreign direct investment. With AI technologies gaining traction, South Africa is poised to become the epicenter for high-performance computing in sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Nigeria – 21 Data Centres
Nigeria is Africa’s fastest expanding data centre market, fueled by its large population, thriving fintech sector, and a vibrant startup ecosystem. Lagos, the commercial capital, hosts the majority of these facilities, operated by key players like Rack Centre, MainOne (now part of Equinix), Galaxy Backbone, and Layer3.
The surge in demand for localized data storage and low-latency cloud services is driven by banks, fintech companies, e-commerce platforms, and government agencies transitioning to cloud-based infrastructures. Despite some investment challenges, Nigeria remains the digital nucleus of West Africa.
3. Kenya – 20 Data Centres
Kenya’s reputation as East Africa’s innovation hub is reinforced by its growing data centre footprint. Nairobi hosts major cloud providers including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle, supported by a dynamic telecom sector and enterprise clients.
Kenya’s pioneering mobile money ecosystem, progressive digital regulations, and investments in undersea cable connectivity have established it as a critical gateway for cloud and AI deployments throughout East Africa. Several hyperscale data centre expansions are underway to meet rising demand.
4. Egypt – 18 Data Centres
As North Africa’s digital anchor, Egypt benefits from extensive fibre-optic networks, a strategic geographic position, and a comprehensive national digital transformation strategy. Cairo’s data centre market is rapidly expanding, driven by government agencies, financial institutions, and media companies migrating to cloud platforms.
Egypt’s role as a landing point for multiple submarine cables makes it a vital conduit for data traffic between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, enhancing its importance in global digital infrastructure.
5. Morocco – 12 Data Centres
Morocco is emerging as a significant tech player in North Africa, supported by a stable investment environment and proactive government initiatives promoting digital transformation. The country is attracting investments in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI infrastructure.
Its proximity to Europe and a multilingual workforce position Morocco as a strategic bridge connecting African and European digital markets.
6. Tanzania – 11 Data Centres
Tanzania has made remarkable strides in digital infrastructure development. Investments from telecom operators and government initiatives have bolstered the country’s data centre capabilities, attracting regional businesses seeking dependable hosting and disaster recovery solutions.
The expansion of digital payment systems and e-government services continues to fuel the maturation of Tanzania’s data centre sector.
7. Mauritius – 10 Data Centres
Mauritius has quietly developed one of Africa’s most advanced data hosting environments. Known for its political stability, robust legal frameworks, and flourishing financial services industry, the island nation has become a preferred destination for offshore data storage and disaster recovery.
International corporations are increasingly drawn to Mauritius for its secure, compliant, and highly available data processing facilities.
8. Ghana – 8 Data Centres
Ghana stands as West Africa’s secondary digital hub after Nigeria. Its data centre market is growing steadily, supported by fintech innovation, an expanding middle class, and government efforts to enhance digital identity systems and automate public services.
Accra’s strategic location and improving network connectivity make Ghana an appealing site for regional cloud operations.
9. Angola – 8 Data Centres
Angola is rapidly upgrading its digital infrastructure, propelled by new submarine cable links and increased telecom sector investments. The country’s data centre growth is driven by rising enterprise demand and a more competitive private sector.
With continued improvements in the investment climate, Angola has the potential to become a leading digital hub in Southern Africa.
10. Senegal – 7 Data Centres
Senegal is positioning itself as the digital frontrunner in Francophone West Africa. Dakar’s expanding technology ecosystem, supported by telecom giants, startups, and financial institutions, has stimulated demand for modern data centre facilities.
Government initiatives and international collaborations are accelerating Senegal’s rise as a prominent cloud and innovation centre.
