At a Glance
- Africa Data Centres and Teraco lead with high-capacity facilities, offering hyperscale infrastructure and direct links to global cloud providers for AI-driven workloads.
- Microsoft and G42’s $1B Kenya center sets a sustainability benchmark, harnessing geothermal energy to power next-gen AI and cloud services in East Africa.
- Cassava Technologies’ AI Factory is deploying 12,000 NVIDIA GPUs, establishing a pan-African backbone for high-performance AI computing across emerging markets.
Africa is witnessing a rapid evolution in AI infrastructure, driven by a wave of investment in high-performance data centers purpose-built for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
These AI-ready facilities serve as critical enablers of advanced computing capabilities, supporting sectors ranging from public service and financial inclusion to healthcare and smart cities.
At the forefront is Africa Data Centres, with major hubs in South Africa and Nigeria, delivering up to 20MW IT load and direct access to hyperscalers. IXAfrica, backed by Schneider Electric, leads in East Africa with hyperscale support for AI workloads in Nairobi.
Microsoft and G42’s $1 billion geothermal-powered project in Kenya is a landmark move toward sustainable AI infrastructure. South Africa’s Teraco and Equinix offer substantial capacity and interconnectivity, ideal for high-density AI operations.
In West Africa, Cassava Technologies’ AI Factory, with thousands of NVIDIA GPUs, positions itself as a pan-African AI backbone. Raxio, PAIX, OADC, and Digital Realty are expanding access to AI-ready infrastructure across underserved markets.
Chronicled by Shore Africa, these centers are building the backbone for Africa’s AI future.
- Africa Data Centres
Location: Midrand, South Africa
One of Africa’s largest facilities, offering 8,500 sqm of white space and up to 20MW IT load. It provides direct access to major cloud providers and subsea cables, ensuring high-speed connectivity. ADC also operates a Tier III facility in Lagos, providing secure and scalable infrastructure to support AI and cloud services across West Africa.
- IXAfrica Data Centre
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
East Africa’s largest AI-ready hyperscale facility, developed in partnership with Schneider Electric. It supports high-density computing and is designed for AI workloads.
Overview: iXAfrica, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, has launched East Africa’s largest AI-ready hyperscale data center. This facility is designed to support AI workloads, cloud services, and colocation needs, positioning Nairobi as a key digital hub in the region. - Microsoft & G42 Data Centre
Location: Kenya
A $1 billion investment by Microsoft and UAE-based G42 to build a geothermal-powered data center, providing Azure cloud services and supporting AI development in East Africa.
Overview: Microsoft, in partnership with UAE-based AI firm G42, plans to build a state-of-the-art data center in Kenya. This facility will be powered by geothermal energy and aims to enhance cloud computing services and AI capabilities in East Africa. - Teraco Data Environments
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
A major interconnection hub with 13,000 sqm of white space and 40MW capacity. Teraco is part of Digital Realty and offers robust infrastructure for AI and cloud services.
Overview: Teraco operates the largest data center campus in Africa, offering significant cloud on-ramps and supporting AI workloads with robust infrastructure. - Equinix
Location: Germiston, Johannesburg, South Africa
Equinix’s first African facility, providing 1,860 sqm of rack space and 4MW IT load. It enhances digital infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
Overview: Equinix’s first data center in South Africa enhances digital infrastructure and connectivity, supporting AI and cloud services in the region. - Cassava Technologies AI Factory
Location: Multiple Locations
Cassava is upgrading its data centers with NVIDIA supercomputers to drive AI development across Africa, enhancing productivity and data protection.
Overview: Cassava Technologies, founded by Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, is developing Africa’s first AI factory in partnership with NVIDIA. This facility will house 3,000 NVIDIA GPUs by June 2025, with plans to expand to 12,000 GPUs across Africa. The AI factory aims to provide high-performance computing infrastructure to support AI development and innovation on the continent. - Raxio Data Centres
Location: Kampala, Uganda, including reach to Ethiopia, DRC, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Angola
Supported by a $100 million investment from the World Bank’s IFC, Raxio is expanding its network of Tier III data centers to meet growing digital demands.
Overview: Raxio Group, supported by a $100 million investment from the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, is expanding its network of data centers across Africa. The Kampala facility is part of this initiative, aiming to boost digital infrastructure and support AI and cloud services in the region. - PAIX Data Centres
Location: Accra, Ghana & Nairobi, Kenya
Carrier-neutral facilities offering colocation services with high security and reliability, supporting cloud and AI services in West and East Africa.
Overview: PAIX operates carrier-neutral data centers that provide secure and scalable infrastructure, supporting AI and cloud services in East Africa. - Open Access Data Centres (OADC)
Location: Lagos, Nigeria & Other Locations
OADC provides scalable, secure data center solutions with a focus on edge computing, supporting AI and digital services across Africa. - Onix Accra 1 Data Centre
Location: Accra, Ghana
Overview: Onix Accra 1 is Ghana’s only Tier IV-accredited data center, offering advanced security and reliability. It serves both local and international enterprises, providing a robust platform for AI and cloud computing services.
