Internet

AI data centres to drive Africa’s power demand

IEA warns AI-driven data centre growth could strain sub-Saharan Africa’s already limited power capacity and supply chains

AI is set to drive surging electricity demand from data centres, currently being rolled out in number across Africa, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)

It poses a significant potential challenge for energy providers in sub-Saharan Africa, with the continent already lagging far behind other regions in terms of spare power capacity.

The IEA projects that electricity demand from data centres worldwide is set to more than double by 2030 to around 945 terawatt-hours (TWh), almost as much electricity as the whole of Japan uses today.

“AI is one of the biggest stories in the energy world today – but until now, policy makers and markets lacked the tools to fully understand the wide-ranging impacts,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol, launching a new report.

The rise in global electricity demand is likely to put pressure not only on Africa’s scarce power resources, but even more so in developed regions.

“The effects will be particularly strong in some countries. For example, in the United States, data centres are on course to account for almost half of the growth in electricity demand; in Japan, more than half; and in Malaysia, as much as one-fifth.”

The report notes that Africa has the lowest energy consumption at less than 1 kWh of data centre electricity consumption per capita in 2024, rising to slightly less than 2 kWh per capita by the end of the decade.

However, there are strong differences within the region, with South Africa showing strong growth and per-capita consumption more than 15 times larger than the continental average in 2030, with an intensity higher than 25 kWh per capita.

Moreover, despite the strong increase, data centre electricity demand growth still accounts for less than 10 per cent of global electricity demand growth between 2024 and 2030, the IEA notes.

Other key drivers, such as industry output growth and electrification, the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), and the adoption of air conditioning, lead the way.

However, it notes, while the absolute growth may appear smaller, data centres, unlike EVs, tend to concentrate in specific locations, making their integration into the grid potentially more challenging.

A diverse range of energy sources will be tapped to meet data centres’ rising electricity needs, according to the report – though renewables and natural gas are set to take the lead due to their cost-competitiveness and availability in key markets.

Across all cases, renewables play a pivotal role in meeting the growing electricity demand, the report notes, however, fossil fuels remain important for meeting the near-term surge in demand up to 2030.

The long-term growth of renewables to meet rising AI and data centre demand could put pressure on the resources needed to complete new clean projects, especially as more developed regions race to build additional capacity.

A major consideration related to the rapid growth of AI and data centres is the demand for critical minerals, the report notes.

Apart from bulk materials like steel and concrete, the construction of data centres requires sizeable amounts of several minerals and metals, such as copper, aluminium, silicon, gallium, rare earth elements and battery minerals.

Here, Africa might also face the task of shoring up its own supply chains, rather than as a supplier of raw materials and commodities to the rest of the world.

“Securing the supply of affordable and reliable power for data centres is at the heart of the challenge of energy for AI,” the report notes.

“In particular, the growing expansion of AI data centres has amplified the urgency of addressing power equipment supply chain constraints.”

Countries that want to benefit from the potential of AI, the report adds, need to quickly accelerate new investments in electricity generation and grids, improve the efficiency and flexibility of data centres, and strengthen the dialogue between policy makers, the tech sector and the energy industry.

Vertiv restructures operations in Africa

Zineb Kamri from Casablanca, Morocco. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv, a global leader in digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has restructured its African operations to strengthen market outreach and improve customer relationships across the continent

The company has reorganised its operations into four focused regional clusters, each under the leadership of experienced regional directors:

Northwest Africa – Led by Zineb Kamri from Casablanca, Morocco
Northeast Africa – Headed by Ehab El Hefnawy in Cairo, Egypt
Central-Southern Africa – Managed by Gary Chomse in Johannesburg, South Africa, with operational support from Lagos, Nigeria
Eastern Africa – Overseen by Rohan Patil in Nairobi, Kenya

Each of these directors reports to Wojtek Piorko, Vertiv’s managing director for Africa. With deep-rooted experience and leadership within the company, they bring extensive knowledge of regional dynamics and customer needs. The restructure is designed to build stronger connections with partners and clients, ensuring faster service delivery and enhanced support through better deployment of solutions, training, and technical expertise.

Sharpening regional agility

“This strategic move positions Vertiv closer to its local customers, enabling a deeper understanding of their unique needs and a more effective response to local market dynamics within each region,” explained Piorko. “It will also facilitate the strategic alignment of resource investments with market growth and customer expectations.”

Piorko continued, “By enhancing our regional presence, Vertiv aims to support African businesses in their digital transformation journeys, providing them with access to experienced experts and a broad portfolio of power, cooling, IT management and services solutions to help accelerate the growth of compute in the region.”

Also read: Vertiv launches power shelf for AI data centres

Siemon revolutionises data centres with 800G copper connectivity

Siemon debuts DAC and active copper cables for 800G data centres, enhancing flexibility, speed, and cable management. (Image source: Siemon)

The Siemon Company, a global expert in network infrastructure, has unveiled a full range of Direct Attach Copper (DAC) and Active Copper Cable (ACC/AEC) assemblies tailored for high-speed connections between switches, servers, and storage systems

These solutions support Ethernet and InfiniBand technologies at speeds up to 800G, enhancing performance and streamlining cable management for modern data centre environments.

“The key to successful high-density deployments lies in the flexibility and reliability of your cabling infrastructure. Traditional copper cables simply weren’t designed for the tight spaces and complex routing of today’s high-speed server deployments,” commented Prem Rodrigues, vice-president IMEA at Siemon.

Siemon’s newly introduced 200G, 400G, and 800G DAC and active copper cable assemblies reflect its focus on delivering top-tier performance, dependability, and superior cable management. Built to meet PAM4 signal standards, these cables undergo strict testing for interoperability, signal integrity, and performance. They are available with various connector types, including OSFP, QSFP-DD, QSFP, SFP-DD, and SFP112.

This latest generation of copper assemblies marks a significant advancement in cable design, supporting low-power, low-latency installations at next-gen 800G speeds. With a reduced bend radius and up to 40% slimmer diameter than conventional jacketed cables, Siemon’s innovation simplifies the deployment of dense, high-speed data centre environments. The company also backs its new solutions with dedicated technical support for configuration, system integration, and qualification processes.

EIB funds Axian Telecom’s 4G, 5G expansion in Africa

EIB Global provides US$100mn to AXIAN Telecom for 4G and 5G broadband expansion in Madagascar and Tanzania. (Image source: Axian Telecom)

The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has unveiled a US$100mn financing initiative for AXIAN Telecom to accelerate the development of mobile broadband infrastructure in Madagascar and Tanzania

The investment will bolster 4G network expansion and further the rollout of 5G technology in both countries.

This initiative, part of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy and backed by a European Commission budgetary guarantee, is designed to improve access to high-speed internet, foster inclusive digital growth, and support sustainable development. The project also aims to narrow the digital divide in Africa and other emerging markets.

AXIAN Telecom, a major pan-African telecom provider with operations across nine Sub-Saharan African nations, currently serves over 44 million subscribers. Its most significant mobile and fixed-line networks are based in Tanzania, Madagascar, Senegal, Togo, and Comoros. Under the Yas brand, the company operates in both Tanzania and Madagascar. The EIB financing will allocate US$60mn to Tanzania and US$40 million to Madagascar.

AXIAN Telecom CEO Hassan Jaber remarked, “The US$ 100mn EIB Global financing will help us expand mobile phone infrastructure in Madagascar and Tanzania and benefit millions of people. This new large-scale network investment will pave the way for socio-economic growth, digital inclusion, and better opportunities.”

EIB vice-president Ambroise Fayolle added, “Digital connectivity opens doors for education, business, healthcare and social inclusion. This new investment demonstrates the EIB’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering sustainable development, and driving positive change through enhanced access to affordable high-speed communications.”

The project also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the creation of energy-efficient and resilient digital infrastructure. It is expected to contribute to long-term economic growth, job creation, and greater digital access for remote and underserved communities. EIB Global sees this as a way to promote e-commerce, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

European Union officials have also expressed strong support for the initiative and its transformative potential for local economies.

Deputy head of the EU delegation to Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros, Laurent d’Ersu, said, “This commitment from the EU through the EIB further demonstrates, in difficult times, our desire to contribute to the sustainable development of Madagascar through private investments in the formal sector and thereby generate growth and open up opportunities for all. This investment will enhance mobile broadband connectivity and bring vital opportunities for economic and social growth to all corners of Madagascar. The expansion of 4G and the introduction of 5G in a context of fair competition between telecommunication operators will be key drivers of digital inclusion, supporting education, innovation, and the creation of new jobs.”

EIB Global continues to play a vital role in financing telecom and digital infrastructure projects across Africa. This latest investment is in line with the EU’s Digital4Development (D4D) initiative and the broader Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilise up to €150 billion by 2030 for the development of key infrastructure across Africa. Through collaboration with telecom providers, local authorities, and national governments, EIB Global aims to foster a more inclusive and connected digital future.

Can internet access transform young African minds?

Paratus_executives_at_the_network_connectivity_area

Paratus Mozambique’s Starlink installation is revolutionising connectivity, enhancing education, healthcare and business for 3,500 residents. (Image source: Paratus Group)

As a pan-African leader in telecommunications and network services, Paratus Group is leveraging its infrastructure footprint to invest in education and community development through its Paratus Social Investment (PSI) program

Active in Namibia, Angola, and Zambia, the company is helping bridge the digital divide and deliver learning opportunities to underserved populations.

Digital education reaches over 12,000 Namibian students

In Namibia, Paratus has partnered with Eduvision for over six years to bring digital education to remote schools. Through this collaboration, Paratus has supplied GEO satellite systems, infrastructure, and technical support to enable interactive virtual lessons via VSAT connectivity. The initiative has benefited more than 12,000 students and 471 teachers, from early to senior secondary levels.

“Eduvision is a beacon of educational light, equipping Namibia’s future leaders with essential digital tools and teaching techniques. By providing connectivity to schools in underserved areas, we help unlock the potential of learners and teachers alike,” said Barney Harmse, executive chairman of Paratus.

The Group has pledged to continue supporting Eduvision’s growth by extending services to more schools in 2025, further enhancing digital literacy in the country.

Angola: Golf tournament funds transform schools

In Angola, Internet Technologies Angola, S.A. (a Paratus Group company) continues to uplift communities through its backing of the annual Golf Solidario tournament. The 2024 edition attracted over 350 participants and raised over 25 million Kwanzas to support digital upgrades in two Cabinda-based schools—Complexo Escolar and Instituto Politécnico de Chiazi—impacting around 2,000 students.

Over the years, proceeds from the event have improved IT infrastructure in schools across Angola, benefiting more than 10,000 students.

In November 2024, two new computer labs were opened at Manuel Quarta Punza Polytechnic High School in Uíge Province. Funded by the 10th Solidarity Golf Tournament, the labs will support over 1,500 students from grades 10 to 13. This 30-million Kwanza investment aligns with national priorities for digital inclusion.

These milestones reflect Paratus Group’s strategic focus on harnessing connectivity to empower young learners and support inclusive growth.

Zambia: Fostering cybersecurity talent

Paratus Zambia has doubled down on its commitment to digital skills development by supporting university-level cybersecurity competitions. For a second year, the company sponsored the Digital Safe Limited Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge—an intense, hands-on cybersecurity tournament that engages students in realistic threat scenarios.

Winners of the CTF receive rewards like ISACA student memberships, and for 2025, Paratus Zambia introduced a new incentive—a paid internship for the top performer, providing hands-on experience within the company.

Further reinforcing its commitment, Paratus is also the official connectivity sponsor for the 2025 ABSA Cyberthon, scheduled for November 4–22. It will deliver secure, high-speed wireless internet with firewall protection to ensure smooth competition logistics.

Paratus Zambia is investing K22,500 to offer three internships to top-performing participants—an effort designed to cultivate a local talent pipeline for future Systems and Network Engineers.

“As the official connectivity sponsor, we are assisting future generations in developing critical cybersecurity skills. By supporting competitions like these, we help nurture a skilled pool of cybersecurity professionals that the Zambian industry can rely on. Cybercrime is one of the greatest risks to any business, and although digital technology is always improving, the sophistication of cyber-attacks is also evolving. We need to stay one step ahead,” the company said.

Through long-term education partnerships and targeted investments, Paratus continues to deliver on its mission to connect communities and equip Africa’s youth with the tools to succeed in a digital future.

Also read: How is Paratus Namibia expanding Eduvision?

Qualcomm supports African tech

MTC's MTC Maris set to revolutionise Namibia

For Ghanaian customers, this license means more efficient and secure money transfers across the country. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Flutterwave gains enhanced PSP license in Ghana

OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa, a 2MW open-access, Tier-III data centre, boosts DRC's digital ecosystem with carrier-neutral, sustainable infrastructure. (Image source: Open Access Data Centres)