Building data centers for Africa's unique market dynamics

| McKinsey Direct

The market for data centers in Africa is entering a phase of accelerated growth, with demand for capacity expected to rise from about 0.4 gigawatts (GW) today to 1.5 to 2.2 GW by 2030. The opportunity is substantial, requiring $10 billion to $20 billion in new investment1 and unlocking an estimated revenue pool of $20 billion to $30 billion across the value chain by 2030. However, Africa’s trajectory will not mirror other regions’. Demand will evolve unevenly, and structural factors such as power reliability, regulatory environments, and infrastructure readiness will shape outcomes. Success will depend on tailored strategies, aligning investors, operators, and policymakers to design models that reflect local realities while capturing global best practices.

To read the full article, download the PDF here.

 

Explore a career with us