The rapidly expanding demand for digital services across Africa is opening up new prospects for investment in the continent’s power infrastructure, according to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC). In a recent commentary, Ayuk emphasized that despite the challenges of inconsistent electricity access in many African nations, mobile and internet usage are growing at extraordinary rates, fueling the need for reliable energy solutions.
The GSMA Mobile Economy Report 2023 forecasts that smartphone adoption in sub-Saharan Africa will increase from 51% in 2022 to 87% by 2030. Over the same period, data consumption per user is expected to nearly quadruple, placing additional pressure on energy resources. Ayuk pointed out that every smartphone and digital application contributes to increased computing loads, especially as energy-intensive technologies like artificial intelligence become more prevalent, further escalating energy demands.
According to the AEC’s State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report, the continent currently hosts just 223 data centers spread across 38 countries, representing less than 0.02% of the global total. South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria dominate with 41% of the total capacity, indicating a concentration of digital infrastructure in a few key markets. The report projects that Africa’s data center market, valued at USD 3.49 billion in 2024, could grow to USD 6.81 billion by 2030 at an annual growth rate of approximately 11.79%. Electricity demand from data centers is expected to rise at around 9% annually, reaching 2 gigawatts by 2030.
Ayuk highlighted that reliable electricity remains a major obstacle. For example, Nigeria’s 17 data centers, which together need around 137 megawatts, operate in a country where the national grid often provides power for only a few hours daily, forcing operators to depend heavily on diesel generators. This situation underscores the necessity for investments in generation capacity and grid upgrades, which could support broader electrification efforts and infrastructure development across the continent.
Some African countries are already harnessing renewable energy to meet digital infrastructure needs. Kenya’s grid is more than 60% renewable, and South Africa has integrated solar power into new data center projects. North African nations like Egypt and Morocco are positioning themselves as regional hubs due to their favorable infrastructure and connectivity advantages. Ayuk also noted that natural gas could serve as a flexible “bridge fuel,” helping to stabilize energy supplies where renewable sources fluctuate, thus balancing environmental goals with economic needs.
The AEC’s analysis suggests that expanding local data center capacity offers a strategic opportunity for governments to bolster infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and enhance national security, all while addressing the rising digital demand across Africa.
