Research firm forecasts 15.76% CAGR from 2025 to 2031, with South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt leading and emerging markets gaining interest on connectivity, cost and renewable-energy trends.
Africa's data center market is projected to attract $8.76 billion in investment by 2031, up from $3.64 billion in 2025, according to Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, which forecasts a 15.76% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2031. The report estimates the market will reach 1,337.5 thousand square feet of area and 348 MW of power capacity by 2031. Arizton said South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt remain the main investment hubs because of stronger connectivity ecosystems, expanding digital economies and growing demand for cloud and colocation services, while markets including Morocco and Tunisia are drawing attention because of proximity to Europe and submarine cable links. The firm also highlighted lower-cost and emerging markets, sustainability and network resilience as key themes, and said the colocation segment is expected to grow at a 23.74% CAGR through 2031.