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Data Centers Could Be the Spark Africa’s Power Sector Needs (By NJ Ayuk)
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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/).
A quarter of the way into the 21st century, digital technology has infiltrated the daily lives of billions of people to an incredible degree across the globe — but not everywhere… yet. As digital penetration rapidly nears 100% in many parts of the world, the fastest-growing markets are in developing countries where even simple electricity is hardly an assured thing. Perhaps the greatest potential is in the African market, where penetration remains shallow and demand is skyrocketing. Simply put, there's nowhere to go but up.
Although electrification has been stubbornly slow to spread across the continent thus far, internet usage is expanding at extraordinary rates. The Global System Operators and Manufacturers Association's (GSMA) Mobile Economy Report 2023 estimated that smartphone adoption in sub-Saharan Africa would rise from 51% in 2022 to 87% in 2030, driven by rising youth populations and more competitive mobile pricing. The same report predicted a near-quadrupling of data usage per mobile by 2028, from 4.6 GB per user per month to 18 GB. Every one of those phones that loads a search engine, a shopping site, or a business app these days is adding to that computing load, and that's just the mobile sector. Advances in financial technology are creating new opportunities for African businesses to thrive, and artificial intelligence is fast invading every facet of the internet. Generative AI and machine learning applications consume up to 10 times more energy than traditional searches, making all that growth orders of magnitude more expensive.
So far, data centers in Europe have mostly been able to handle Africa's needs. As African businesses and consumers increasingly demand faster speeds and lower latency, however, the need is quickly growing for more localized computing infrastructure. As of mid-2025, Africa has 223 data centers spread across 38 countries — less than 0.02% of the world's total of more than 11,800. South Africa has the most with 56, followed by Kenya with 19 and Nigeria with 17, meaning 41% of Africa's data center infrastructure is currently concentrated in these three countries.
In “The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report,” the African Energy Chamber (AEC) posits that development of cloud infrastructure in these key markets could serve as nuclei to accelerate growth across the continent. Growing concerns over data sovereignty are also spurring some nations to require that certain sensitive data stays in-country, further driving demand for local data centers. The African data center market was valued at USD3.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD6.81 billion by 2030, rising at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.79%.
As a rule, data centers require a substantial and reliable supply of electricity — something Africa is not currently known for, with many countries facing frequent outages. Nigeria is a prime example. The country's 17 data centers — the third most in Africa — collectively require around 137 MW of power capacity in 2025. Nigeria's power grid is notorious for providing only around four hours of power per day, forcing data center operators to make up the difference with diesel generators that raise costs and pollution levels. Even around the capital city of Lagos, where internet connectivity is highest and 14 of the data centers are concentrated, the grid is a constant source of uncertainty.
Overall, the AEC report states, Africa's data center power demand capacity is forecast to achieve a CAGR of 9% between 2024 and 2030 and hit 2 GW by 2030. The total data center capacity globally, by comparison, is forecast to log a CAGR of 11% between 2024 and 2030, reaching 249 GW by year-end 2030. Adding in the power needed for cooling and other ancillary loads, the global total installed capacity is estimated at 374 GW by 2030.
The relentless demand of data centers, however, functions as a great stabilizer for attracting socially responsible capital investment in the power infrastructure. Predictably growing demand assures investors that money spent on expanding grids and developing new power generation centers will both improve lives and pay off economically. The growth of data centers also often brings with it a push for innovative power solutions, including the integration of renewable energy sources and advanced grid management technologies. Upgraded grids improve sustainability, bolster resilience, and expand the residential and commercial customer base, spreading out fixed costs and thereby reducing end users' electricity prices over time.
In northern Africa, growing hubs such as Egypt and Morocco benefit from strategic positioning that connects Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to major internet backbone lines. Egypt offers affordable land and electricity prices, while Morocco is rapidly modernizing its infrastructure and fostering a favorable legal environment for data center growth.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces more challenges, but even here, many nations are stepping up efforts to meet the insatiable demand. In South Africa, the largest market, there is particularly strong demand for facilities around Johannesburg and Cape Town. Johannesburg benefits from a diversified mix of wholesale and retail demand and both international and local providers. South Africa is leading the continent in solar integration, with public-private projects like the 12 MW solar farm being developed by Africa Data Centres and Distributed Power Africa.
Kenya's grid is already over 60% renewable, including geothermal, solar, wind, and hydroelectric sources. The Naivasha geothermal zone, which supplies nearly half of the country's power, will host a planned 100 MW green data center, backed by a USD1 billion investment by Microsoft and G42. Such clean, non-intermittent power solutions give Kenya the ability to support data centers with both lower emissions and greater stability. The Kenyan government also offers tax incentives for investments in special economic zones, including a 10% corporate tax exemption for the first 10 years, and over 15% after 10 years.
Smaller countries are getting in on the game as well. Côte d'Ivoire (currently home to six data centers) launched its largest solar power plant in Boundiali in June 2023, delivering 37.5 MWp of capacity toward its national goal of sourcing 45% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030. West Africa's largest wind project is the Taiba N'Diaye Wind Farm in Senegal (seven data centers), while Gabon (one data center) is actively developing hydropower and attracting investment in solar hybrid systems.
Not every country will be able to confront the growing digital demand equally. Data centers are notoriously water-hungry due to the need to cool off huge banks of closely packed computers. Nations with vast areas of desert and savannah can ill afford to have data centers compete for water with agriculture and may have to rely on their neighbors through the use of regional power pools as suggested in the AEC report. Others with fewer renewable energy prospects will likely focus on developing more conventional energy sources such as oil and gas, which many have in great abundance. Even those with strong renewable sectors would be wise to develop conventional energy to achieve the reliability that other parts of the world take for granted. The AEC has long advocated the flexibility of natural gas to serve as a bridge fuel, alleviating shortages with quick ramp-up and ramp-down when renewable supplies fluctuate.
Electrification in Africa is a multi-pronged issue with many obstacles on the path to modernization, but there is no doubt that there is a demand to be met. Building and provisioning local data centers is a powerful step toward solving some of government's most pressing problems in any nation: improving infrastructure, growing the economy, and strengthening national security.
"The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report" is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/48Y4qkH to request your copy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Empowering Uzbek Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Provides $10 Million Line of Financing to...
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Anor Bank, a leading digital bank in Uzbekistan, has signed a Line of Financing agreement with ICD (https://ICD-PS.org/). Under the agreement, ICD will provide a USD 10 million Line of Finance facility to Anor Bank. The facility aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uzbekistan and enhance access to Islamic financial solutions for the private sector, in line with Anor Bank's mission to promote sustainable economic growth across the country.
This financing facility represents a significant milestone in advancing Anor Bank's strategic objectives, particularly in strengthening SME development, expanding private sector financing, promoting Islamic finance, and contributing to the diversification of Uzbekistan's economy.
The initiative is fully aligned with ICD's strategic focus on fostering SME growth and supporting private sector development as a key driver of sustainable economic progress across its member countries.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafallah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, and Mr. Sherzod Akramov, Chairman of the Management Board of Anor Bank.
This pioneering transaction establishes ICD as the first multilateral development bank to provide a Line of Finance to Anor Bank, creating a strategic cornerstone for accelerating private sector growth in Uzbekistan. It paves the way for a new era of collaboration and investment.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).For further details, please contact:
Anor Bank
Mr. Mirsodiq Mirzahidov
Head of International Relations Division
Mirsodiq.Mirzahidov@anorbank.uz
Ms. Nozigul Ismatova
International Relations Division
Anor Bank
Nozigul.Ismatova@anorbank.uz
Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Nabil El-Alami
Communications & Corporate Marketing Division Manager at ICD
Nalami@isdb.org
About Anor Bank:
JSC Anor Bank, founded in 2020, is one of Uzbekistan's fastest-growing digital banks, offering a full range of financial services to retail and corporate clients through digital channels and 17 sales offices nationwide. The Bank leverages technology-driven platforms to provide fast and convenient access to financial products for both small and medium-sized enterprises and individual clients. Anor Bank actively implements CSR initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and social development, while promoting financial literacy, especially in remote regions of Uzbekistan, contributing to inclusive economic growth and the country's sustainable financial sector development.
About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
ICD is a multilateral organization and a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. ICD's mandate is to support economic development and promote the growth of the private sector in its member countries through providing financing facilities and/or investments in accordance with Shariah principles. Additionally, ICD offers advisory services to governments and private organizations to encourage the establishment, expansion, and modernization of private enterprises. ICD is rated ‘A2' by Moody's, ‘A+' by Fitch, and ‘A' by S&P.
Website: https://ICD-PS.org/
TECNO Brings Immersive Fan Experience to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 with Pop-Up Stores and Interactive Zones Across Morocco
Following the opening of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, TECNO extends its tournament presence into public spaces across Morocco through a series of TECNO AI pop-up stores and fan zones in Rabat and Casablanca. Designed to bring AI-powered innovation closer to consumers, these spaces allow visitors to experience how TECNO AI enhances everyday smartphone usage, from photography and gaming to productivity and entertainment. In total, the brand activated four experiential venues, two pop-up stores and two fan zones, with one of each established in both cities, creating a parallel rollout across Morocco's major urban centers.
The opening ceremony marked the starting point of TECNO's AFCON “Power Your Moment” campaign, welcoming invited clients, guests, and partners as the tournament officially began. From the same day, the brand opened its physical spaces to the public, shifting from a symbolic brand moment to hands-on consumer engagement.
This approach enables TECNO to stay connected with fans throughout different stages of the competition, offering repeated opportunities to discover TECNO AI features in real-life scenarios rather than limiting interaction to a single event. Special performances featuring live juggling ball demonstrations alongside African song and dance were presented on December 21 and are scheduled to return on January 18, creating a vibrant environment that blended technology, culture, and entertainment.
TECNO AI Pop-Up Stores: An Immersive Fan-First Experience
The TECNO AI pop-up stores, deployed in Casablanca and Rabat and located near Mohammed V Stadium and Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium respectively, are designed as immersive, consumer-centric environments rather than conventional retail spaces. Open for a limited period during the AFCON 2025 tournament, each location combines product discovery with interactive AI demonstrations, allowing visitors to test TECNO AI features directly across multiple touchpoints.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed in a reception area offering complimentary gifts and guided experiences, while simple interactive challenges encourage participation and social sharing. By connecting physical interaction with digital engagement, the pop-up stores translate advanced AI technology into clear, tangible benefits that consumers can immediately understand and enjoy.
At the heart of the TECNO AI pop-up store, the AI Experience Area brings TECNO AI to life through practical, real-world applications showcased on large-format screens and interactive stations. Visitors can test TECNO AI features hands-on, discovering how AI enhances everyday moments such as photography, content creation, and daily productivity. By placing consumers directly in control of the experience, the activation positions TECNO AI not as a distant technology, but as an intuitive, accessible tool designed to make daily smartphone use smarter, easier, and more creative.
A fashion-inspired clothing swap installation offers jerseys representing the 24 national teams competing in AFCON 2025, allowing fans to express tournament allegiances while engaging in a creative, participatory activity. Nearby, the Champions Road installation invites visitors to interact with a team matchup chart using magnetic team markers, encouraging predictions and photo sharing that extend the experience beyond the physical space.
The Product Experience Area provides hands-on access to TECNO's latest smartphone lineup and connected devices, supported by on-site brand representatives. A customization station allows visitors to personalize their phones with tournament-themed back stickers, creating tangible mementos linked to the AFCON experience. Photo areas throughout the pop-up stores offer opportunities to capture moments against branded backdrops, while a CSR Culture Wall highlights TECNO's community initiatives and long-term engagement in youth development and grassroots football across Africa.
TECNO Fan Zones: Bringing Fans Together Beyond the Stadium
Alongside the TECNO AI pop-up stores, TECNO's fan zones are established in Casablanca and Rabat, located at Anfa Park and OLM Souissi respectively, as open-access community spaces operating throughout match days. Freely accessible to the public, without purchase or registration requirements, the fan zones welcome football supporters and passersby alike, emphasizing shared experience over transaction. These spaces feature relaxed product discovery areas, free photo-taking and printing services, and interactive challenges designed to encourage participation.
Skill-based football challenges, including juggling and heading activities, animate both the pop-up stores and fan zones, creating moments of spontaneous interaction and crowd engagement. Giveaway mechanics are tied to simple social media actions, while classification-style photo activities encourage visitors to capture and share moments online without competitive pressure, prioritizing participation and community visibility.
By activating simultaneously in Rabat and Casablanca and maintaining a presence across match days with special programming on key dates, TECNO establishes a sustained physical footprint throughout the AFCON period. Rather than limiting its engagement to the opening ceremony, the brand positions its pop-up stores and fan zones as ongoing touchpoints within the rhythm of the tournament, embedding technology, football, and urban culture into everyday public life during AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure Exhibition (DEAL) 2026 to Accelerate Africa’s Next Wave of Theme Parks, Family Entertainment Centre (FECs) and Location-Based Entertainment
African family entertainment centre (FEC) operators, mall owners, mixed-use developers, hospitality groups, leisure investors and tourism agencies are invited to source the next generation of attractions, rides, VR/AR experiences and turnkey indoor concepts at DEAL 2026 – the Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure Exhibition (www.DealMiddleEastShow.com), taking place 10–12 February 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Now in its 32nd year, DEAL is the Middle East and Africa's longest-running B2B platform for the amusement and attractions industry. Visitors from Africa can register here - https://apo-opa.co/3MM18bH.
“As organisers, our brief has always been simple: DEAL must be a commercial engine, not a ceremonial expo,” said Abdulrahman Falaknaz, President, International Expo-Consults (IEC). “Buyers from Africa are no longer just benchmarking global concepts; they are sourcing partners, signing agreements and budgeting for delivery. That momentum is exactly why we expect DEAL 2026 to be our most impactful edition yet—especially for African operators looking to scale quickly, safely and sustainably.”
Why this matters for Africa, now?
Africa's youth base is a live demand engine: more than 60% of Africans are under 25, a cohort that expects premium, safe and tech-enabled entertainment close to home. As per Cognitive Market Research, the Middle East & Africa FEC market is projected to grow at 11.5% CAGR through 2031, implying regional spend already pushing beyond USD700 million in 2025.
DEAL 2026 will showcase the full commercial spectrum of today's location-based entertainment economy: themed rides and large-format attractions; turnkey family entertainment centres; waterparks and water play solutions; VR/AR and immersive gaming arenas; esport and arcade systems; participatory play equipment; redemption and coin-operated machines; high-tech show effects; admissions, ticketing and operations tech; themed retail, décor and IP/licensing; and full concept-to-delivery support from masterplanners, fabricators and fit-out specialists. This show profile is designed for decision-makers who are building or upgrading theme parks, malls, mixed-use leisure districts, hotels and resorts, and municipal or tourism-led attractions, and it lets them source everything under one roof — from content and hardware to safety compliance and revenue models.
African trade visitors will be able to evaluate proven revenue models—from pay-to-play and memberships to esports leagues and subscription-based edutainment—designed for markets with a high share of Gen Z and young families; source suppliers whose attractions meet global safety and maintenance standards (critical for lenders, insurers and regulators); benchmark pricing, throughput and ROI with operators already active in the Gulf's integrated entertainment districts; and build partnerships with IP owners, masterplanners and tech companies that can localise content for African audiences.
Falaknaz added: “With manufacturers, IP owners, waterpark specialists, VR/AR content studios, esports infrastructure providers and turnkey FEC developers under one roof, DEAL compresses months of sourcing into days. Our goal is to help African stakeholders move from concept to commercially bankable projects—backed by the right standards, operating know-how and partners.”
DEAL 2026 runs 10–12 February 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Exhibitor and visitor information for African delegations is available at www.DealMiddleEastShow.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure Exhibition (DEAL 2026).For booth bookings and hosted-buyer enquiries, contact:
Frida
frida@iecdubai.com
FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola: Celebrating Two Decades of Connection
The Coca-Cola Company (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) and FIFA are kicking off the sixth FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, giving thousands of fans across the globe the opportunity to see the original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™. FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest yet - spanning three host nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States, with more teams, more matches and more celebrations than ever before.
As a long-standing partner of FIFA, Coca-Cola has the exclusive rights to the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. Beginning Jan. 3, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy will visit 30 FIFA Member Associations across 75 stops and more than 150 tour days, giving fans around the world a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see football's most coveted prize.
"Football has an unmatched ability to bring people together, no matter where they're from or what language they speak,” said Mickael Vinet, vice president, global assets, influencers and partnerships, The Coca-Cola Company. “For two decades, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola has been a journey that connects fans to the magic of the game. As the Trophy travels toward the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, we're celebrating the passion, pride and unity that make football the world's favorite sport."
The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will visit all three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries and future FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup™ host nations including Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. At each stop, local communities will have access to unique fan engagement opportunities, from immersive brand experiences and interactive football challenges to exclusive content with FIFA Legends.
The 2026 tour marks 20 years of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. Over this period, more than 4 million fans across more than 182 markets worldwide have participated.
“The FIFA World Cup Trophy is recognized around the world as the greatest symbol in sport, and Coca-Cola is one of the world's most recognized brands,” said Romy Gai, FIFA's Chief Business Officer. “For two decades, our partnership with Coca-Cola has united fans and brought them the magic of the FIFA World Cup through the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. Over five editions, the iconic trophy has visited 182 of our 211 Member Associations, and this tour will be particularly special—not only are we marking the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, but we are also preparing for the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, with three host nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States.”
For more than a century, Coca-Cola has been more than just a beverage; it has been a symbol of optimism and a refreshing presence in countless memorable experiences. As the world comes together to experience the FIFA World Cup, the Coca-Cola team—spanning local bottlers, manufacturers, distributors, as well as retail partners—will refresh fans throughout the tournament. From cherished local favorites to iconic drinks like Coca-Cola and Powerade, the company is proud to serve refreshment across moments of celebration that unite fans everywhere.
FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is also a platform to promote positive impact in local communities. For the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, The Coca-Cola Company will work with local teams and bottling partners to support its sustainability initiatives, including packaging collection and recycling efforts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.Follow us on:
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About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide.
Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com.