Top 10: Data Centre Companies in Africa

As hyperscale cloud providers scale their footprint across the continent, Africa's digital infrastructure is undergoing a massive transformation.

Rapidly expanding economies, a surge in sovereign AI strategies and a booming, digitally connected youth population are driving unprecedented demand for processing power and secure co-location.

Navigating this dynamic landscape requires significant capital injection, innovative power strategies and strict adherence to international uptime standards. 

Researching the pioneering companies of those factors above, we rank the top 10 data centre companies leading Africa's digital evolution.

10) Cassava

CEO: Adil El Youssefi (Co-location)
Founded: 2021
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

As a dominant digital infrastructure provider across 30 nations, Cassava is accelerating Africa’s digital transition through an expanding footprint.

Backed by strategic investment from US chipmaker Nvidia, the organisation is championing sovereign AI capabilities on the continent by launching specialised AI factories.

Cassava harnesses its massive 100,000km pan-African fibre optic network to provide exceptional connectivity to its co-location spaces.

This integration ensures robust, low-latency data transit, positioning it as an essential foundation for enterprise digital transformation and cloud services.

9) Nxtra by Airtel Africa

CEO: Yashnath Issur
Founded: 2023
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Nxtra by Airtel Africa represents a major power shift in East Africa’s infrastructure ecosystem.

The operator recently broke ground on its massive 44MW sustainable data centre hub at the Tatu City Special Economic Zone in Kenya.

Set for completion in early 2027, this GPU-ready facility will host next-generation servers with 99.999% uptime.

Powered by 95% renewable energy, Nxtra blends hyperscale capacity with sustainability, ensuring the regional digital framework is future-proofed for incoming enterprise and international cloud clients.

8) iXAfrica

CEO: Snehar Shah
Founded: 2021
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Based in Nairobi, iXAfrica is a rapidly growing developer and operator of hyperscale-ready data centres.

Backed by a majority stake from Helios Investment Partners, the company capitalises on East Africa’s surging demand for internet connectivity and enterprise cloud adoption.

Its premier campus is designed to deliver over 20MW of capacity, offering hyper-density capabilities alongside world-class carrier neutrality.

Its focus on advanced engineering and strategic networking makes it a primary choice for global tech firms looking to establish a robust local presence.

7) Rack Centre

CEO: Lars Christer Johannisson
Founded: 2012
Location: Nigeria

Operating out of Lagos, Rack Centre is recognised as West Africa’s only carrier-neutral Tier III Constructed Facility Certified data centre.

The company hosts an impressive ecosystem supporting more than 40 telco carriers, alongside integrated cloud service providers and financial institutions.

Rack Centre is expanding its capacity with a new 12MW AI-ready facility, significantly boosting regional computing capabilities.

Its strict focus on secure co-location, operational redundancy and zero downtime makes it a cornerstone of Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.

6) PAIX

CEO: Hemen Shah
Founded: 2016
Location: Ghana

PAIX is an innovative cloud- and carrier-neutral provider focusing on high-growth West and East African hubs.

Operating critical facilities in Ghana and Kenya, the enterprise recently secured a US$20m investment from Africa50 to fund its aggressive geographic expansion, which includes a new facility in Senegal.

PAIX excels at providing robust interconnection solutions, permitting point-to-point links that give regional businesses seamless access to international networks.

Its agile deployment model positions it perfectly to satisfy the continent's latent digital demand.

5) Raxio Group

CEO: Robert Skjødt
Founded: 2018
Location: South Africa

Raxio Group boasts one of the most expansive pan-African footprints, operating state-of-the-art, Tier III certified facilities across seven countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Angola.

The firm designs its data centres to be highly energy-efficient and scalable, serving as the critical backbone for digital service providers.

Raxio offers carrier-neutral co-location solutions that allow clients to bypass restrictive vendor lock-ins.

By strategically expanding into underserved areas where demand outpaces supply, Raxio is driving localised economic growth and digital inclusivity across the continent.

4) Open Access Data Centres

CEO: Dr Ayotunde Coker
Founded: 2018
Location: Mauritius, South Africa

A subsidiary of the WIOCC Group, Open Access Data Centres (OADC) is deploying Africa’s fastest-growing network of Tier III hyperscale and edge facilities.

OADC has launched major facilities in Durban, Cape Town and Lagos, utilising its parent company's vast subsea and terrestrial fibre infrastructure.

Its innovative Open Access Fabric provides carrier-neutral, low-latency links connecting African markets directly to global hubs like London and Marseille.

OADC focuses on delivering extensive edge computing solutions, perfectly suited for localised AI and fintech processing.

3) MainOne (Equinix)

Managing Director: Wole Abu
Founded: 2010
Location: Lagos, Nigeria

MainOne altered West Africa's technological trajectory by constructing the region’s first privately owned, open-access submarine cable system before launching its data centre subsidiary, MDXi.

Acquired by global giant Equinix in 2022 for US$320m, MainOne bridges regional enterprises with global ecosystems.

Its premier Tier III facility in Lagos, supplemented by presence in Accra and Abidjan, provides excellent connectivity and co-location security.

MainOne acts as the foundational digital gateway for West Africa, offering unprecedented access to international cloud platforms and tech ecosystems.

2) Africa Data Centres

CEO: Adil El Youssefi
Founded: 2018
Location: South Africa

Africa Data Centres (ADC) operates as the continent's largest network of interconnected, carrier-neutral data centre facilities.

As a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, ADC owns purpose-built facilities across South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, establishing a highly integrated regional network.

The firm delivers robust, enterprise-grade co-location, disaster recovery and peering services, adhering rigidly to international Tier III standards.

ADC is executing a massive US$500m expansion plan to double its capacity across major digital hubs.

This expansion caters specifically to hyperscale cloud providers looking for secure, scalable environments.

By combining extensive regional expertise with green energy alternatives, ADC remains an undisputed leader in supporting Africa's sovereign data capabilities, cloud migration and expanding digital enterprise ecosystems.

1) Teraco (Digital Realty)

CEO: Jan Hnizdo
Founded: 2008
Location: South Africa

Teraco is the undisputed leader of Africa’s data centre landscape, serving as the central hub for Sub-Saharan internet traffic.

Acquired by Digital Realty in a landmark multi-billion-dollar deal, Teraco operates massive, world-class facilities in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, delivering over 180MW of critical power capacity.

Its highly successful NAPAfrica internet exchange point is Africa's largest peering platform, connecting over 250 networks and giving clients unmatched access to global cloud providers, content delivery networks and carriers.

The organisation is aggressively scaling its footprint, expanding its landmark JB4 facility and investing heavily in a utility-scale 120MW solar PV project to mitigate regional grid challenges.

Teraco’s unparalleled ecosystem density, combined with its world-class infrastructure and commitment to renewable power, secures its position as the premier gateway for hyperscalers and international enterprises entering the African market.