Oxford Business Group, in collaboration with Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) have presented their latest Focus Report titled “Data Centres in Africa,” offering insights into the pivotal role of data centres in driving the continent’s digital evolution.
The comprehensive report delves into the intricate landscape of Africa’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and examines how data centres contribute to economic growth, sustainability efforts, bridging the ICT skills gap, regulatory frameworks, and the imperative of integrating environmental responsibility into their operations. A statement to this effect said Africa’s data centre market was poised for substantial growth, with a projected 50 per cent capacity increase by 2026. Fuelled by a burgeoning digital economy and rising internet penetration, the continent presents lucrative opportunities despite infrastructure and regulatory challenges. The report highlights Africa’s evolving data centre ecosystem, analysing infrastructure development, broadband expansion, and regulatory frameworks. It also nderscores the importance of bridging the ICT skills gap and integrating sustainability into data centre operations. With a focus on environmental responsibility and innovation, Africa’s data centre sector spearheads digital transformation and sustainable economic development continent-wide. Key findings from the report reveal significant capacity growth, with Africa’s data centre capacity expected to increase by 50% between 2021 and 2026. However, the distribution of data centres across the continent remains uneven, with some areas lacking adequate facilities, presenting opportunities for further development. Government initiatives play a crucial role in driving data centre capacity growth. Across the continent they are actively fostering partnerships with international cloud service providers and implementing initiatives to transfer data to national data centres, as well as the supportive infrastructure that is required as a result.