In this blog, Shaun Versfeld, Associate Director – Mission critical facilities, deep dives into how sustainability fits into the design, engineering, and running of data centres, specifically in Africa.
In an era where digital infrastructure intersects with sustainable innovation, Africa stands ready to redefine its technical landscape. Envision a future where state-of-the-art data centres energise everything from mobile applications to national networks. As we approach this transformation, Africa's data centre construction market is not just expanding it is thriving with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.94% between 2024 and 2030, as highlighted by the
Sustainable Construction Review . This marks a significant shift, with investments expected to rise from $1.26 billion in 2024 to an anticipated $3.06 billion by 2030, signalling a substantial evolution in the continent's digital infrastructure.
Leading this expansion are key markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco, each showcasing a dynamic data centre landscape replete with specific sustainability challenges and opportunities yet unified by common trends.
Despite these promising possibilities, Africa currently accounts for less than 2% of global data centre capacity, with around 307 MW in active use. However, projections indicate a need for an additional 1,200 MW by 2030 to meet rising demands, placing Africa on the verge of a major digital evolution,
as detailed by the Africa Data Centres Association . Many countries are proactively embracing sustainable energy solutions, with Kenya notably sourcing 90% of its electricity from green sources.
As ambitions to enhance Africa's digital infrastructure take shape, a commitment to community-driven priorities, such as reliable electricity supply, water security, and ecological conservation remains crucial for promoting sustainable progress. The synergy between local expertise and global innovation drives the market towards energy-efficient solutions, tapping into Africa's abundant solar resources. This focus is not merely a trend but a necessity, ensuring that as the continent's data centre landscape flourishes, it does so with a steadfast commitment to sustainability.