Africa accounts for less than 1% of global data centre infrastructure, with only ~400MW of installed capacity against projected demand of 2.2GW by 2030 — a gap requiring up to $20 billion in investment. The continent's AI and digital ambitions are constrained by unreliable energy, incomplete fibre networks, regulatory fragmentation, and concentration of infrastructure in just four markets. Addressing this requires coordinated cross-border infrastructure models, regulatory alignment, renewable energy integration, and stronger roles for financial institutions in structuring bankable projects. AI alone could contribute $1 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2035 if the foundational infrastructure is built.
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