African tech investor Prateek Suri is in advanced negotiations with several African governments over the acquisition of large land parcels to develop next-generation, AI-powered data centres. These talks, largely conducted behind closed doors, could lead to one of the most ambitious digital infrastructure projects on the continent.
Sources familiar with the discussions reveal that Suri is exploring the purchase of extensive agricultural land, particularly in remote and semi-rural regions, to establish hyperscale data centre campuses. The move is driven by the lower land costs in these areas, the relative ease of obtaining regulatory approvals, and the potential to develop large-scale renewable energy infrastructure alongside the data centres.
The proposed facilities are expected to rely heavily on on-site renewable energy sources such as solar farms, independent power producers, and hybrid energy systems. This approach aims to reduce dependence on national electricity grids and ensure a sustainable power supply, which is critical given the increasing energy demands driven by the growth of digital services and artificial intelligence adoption across Africa.
Industry analysts note that the continent is experiencing a rapid surge in data infrastructure needs, fueled by expanding cloud services, fintech innovations, digital content consumption, and the widespread integration of AI technologies. A McKinsey report forecasts that data centre capacity in Africa’s five largest markets could grow from around 400 megawatts to between 1.5 and 2.2 gigawatts by 2030, highlighting the scale of Africa’s digital transformation.
The rise of AI has further heightened energy consumption concerns, with the International Energy Agency warning that global data centre electricity use could double by 2030. This makes access to reliable and sustainable power a crucial factor in Africa’s digital development.
Suri’s strategy of prioritizing land acquisition and renewable energy infrastructure before expanding computing capacity marks a departure from traditional urban-focused data centre models. This approach could address longstanding issues related to grid instability in several African countries, offering a more resilient foundation for digital growth.
However, the initiative has sparked debate among stakeholders. Land-use advocates and agricultural experts have raised concerns over the large-scale conversion of farmland to industrial sites, calling for transparency and safeguards to protect local communities and food security. Conversely, many believe such investments could be transformative, providing employment opportunities, improving energy infrastructure, attracting foreign capital, and bolstering digital sovereignty across Africa.
A policy adviser involved in early discussions emphasized the significance of these projects, stating, “Data centres are the backbone of the AI era. If properly executed, such projects can position Africa more competitively in the global digital economy.”
