The digital transformation across Africa is accelerating, with data centres playing a pivotal role in this shift. As of 2025, Africa is home to over 200 operational data centres. These centres are essential for cloud services, fintech, and local data storage. The growing demand for these services is driven by increasing mobile internet usage, expanding tech ecosystems, and rising business needs for data solutions.
Africa’s Growing Demand for Data Centres
Data centres are now central to Africa’s digital economy. The continent’s data centre market is expanding rapidly. This growth is driven by the need for local data storage, especially in countries that are building up their ICT infrastructure. As businesses and governments continue to embrace digital technologies, the need for data hosting and processing has never been higher. In this competitive landscape, a few African countries are emerging as leaders in hosting these facilities.
1. South Africa: The Regional Leader
South Africa is the undisputed leader in data centre development, with approximately 49 data centres. This is due to its established telecom sector, access to international undersea cables, and strong internet connectivity. Additionally, the country’s well-developed economy and government support for digital infrastructure make it an attractive destination for global data centre providers.
2. Kenya: East Africa’s Digital Hub
Kenya, with 18 data centres, is a major player in East Africa’s digital landscape. The country benefits from its renewable energy sources, including geothermal and wind power, making it an ideal location for data centre operators. Moreover, Kenya’s thriving tech ecosystem, particularly in Nairobi, continues to attract investment, further solidifying its role as a regional data centre hub.
3. Nigeria: West Africa’s Fast-Growing Market
Nigeria, with its 16 data centres, is growing rapidly as a digital powerhouse in West Africa. The country’s large population, increasing internet penetration, and expanding digital economy are key drivers for data centre demand. Cities like Lagos, which are at the heart of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, continue to experience significant growth in the number of data facilities.
4. Egypt: A Gateway Between Africa and the Middle East
Egypt, located strategically between Africa and the Middle East, is home to 14 data centres. The country’s proximity to Europe and its expanding telecom infrastructure make it an attractive option for data centre expansion. Egypt’s growing economy and the government’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure have also helped to drive data centre development.
5. Angola: Emerging as a Key Player
Angola hosts 8 data centres by 2025. The country is gradually making significant progress in improving its telecom and energy sectors, which are crucial for data centre growth. Angola’s central location in Southern Africa also makes it an appealing choice for regional data hosting.
6. Morocco: Strategic Location in North Africa
Morocco ranks high with 8 data centres. Its strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa makes it an attractive destination for international companies seeking data storage solutions. Morocco’s growing focus on digital infrastructure, coupled with its renewable energy initiatives, is a major driver for the growth of data centres.
7. Ghana: West Africa’s Tech Leader
Ghana, with 7 data centres, is rapidly developing its digital infrastructure. The country’s stable political environment, expanding internet access, and rising demand for cloud services have created a solid foundation for data centre growth. As Ghana’s tech sector continues to grow, the demand for data centres is expected to increase significantly.
8. Senegal: Digital Growth in West Africa
Senegal, hosting 7 data centres, is one of the leading countries in West Africa’s data centre market. With increasing investments in ICT infrastructure and favorable government policies, Senegal is becoming a key player in the region. The country’s strategic location and growing digital penetration also contribute to its rapid development in the data centre sector.
9. Ethiopia: East Africa’s Emerging Digital Hub
Ethiopia has 5 data centres, and while its market is still developing, the country’s growing population and expanding tech ecosystem position it as an emerging data centre hub in East Africa. Ethiopia’s government is investing in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, which should continue to drive the demand for data storage and processing services.
10. Côte d’Ivoire: Growing Data Centre Presence in West Africa
Côte d’Ivoire rounds out the top 10 with 5 data centres. The country’s expanding economy, coupled with increasing demand for digital services, has spurred investments in data centre infrastructure. Côte d’Ivoire’s stable political environment and its role as a West African commercial hub make it an attractive location for future data centre development.
Key Drivers of Data Centre Growth in Africa
Several factors are contributing to the growth of data centres across these top 10 African countries. One of the main drivers is data sovereignty laws, which require local data storage. This has led to an increased demand for local data centres, as businesses and governments seek to comply with these regulations. Additionally, renewable energy is becoming a priority for data centre developers, as reliable power supply is essential for uninterrupted data processing. Countries rich in renewable energy sources, such as Kenya, are therefore becoming more attractive for data centre investments.
Another key factor is government support. Many African governments are offering tax incentives, favorable regulations, and infrastructural development programs to encourage the establishment of data centres. This has created an environment where the private sector is more inclined to invest in the development of digital infrastructure.
