Data centre construction around the world is proceeding at a frenetic pace.
They are vital building blocks for the provision of artificial intelligence (AI) tokens that are increasingly driving new business models.
While Africa lags the rest of the world in the number and capacity of data centres, work is underway to start plugging the gap.
The continent is home to a young, entrepreneurial, and increasingly data-hungry population that is driving demand for faster, more reliable connectivity and digital services, according to data centre infrastructure supplier Vertiv.
Africa is entering a phase where infrastructure demand is being shaped by AI, edge computing and increasingly distributed digital services.
“What we are seeing is not incremental change, but a structural shift in how data centres are designed, powered and operated,” the company states.
“AI workloads are pushing power density and thermal requirements to levels that traditional designs were not built to handle. This is accelerating the adoption of liquid cooling, integrated thermal management, and more advanced power architectures.”
Africa cannot afford to be left behind in the AI era, with local infrastructure essential to support digital sovereignty, economic growth and innovation.
“However, this must be achieved responsibly through the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and cooling methods, as well as greater integration of alternative energy sources,” according to Vertiv.
“Modern data centre infrastructure is significantly more efficient than previous generations, making it possible to support AI workloads while minimising environmental impact.
“Integrated modular design and build approaches play an important role in enabling this more efficient growth.
“By deploying critical digital infrastructure in scalable increments, operators can align capacity with actual demand, avoiding overbuilding and unnecessary energy consumption.
“Integrated solutions also help to improve construction efficiency, reduce material waste, and support faster deployment of newer, more efficient technologies as they become available.”
Vertiv believes the key is to invest in infrastructure that is designed for efficiency and resilience from the outset, enabling Africa to participate fully in the AI economy while managing its environmental responsibilities.
Vertiv serves all 54 countries in Africa from offices in Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.