MTN Group is expanding its ambitions beyond telecommunications, partnering with Dubai-based investor Tarek Al Ashram to develop up to 150MW of AI data centre capacity in Africa.
The planned infrastructure will be developed through Africa Data Hub Holding, backed by Al Ashram’s investment firm. The partnership reflects a growing push to build the infrastructure needed to support Africa’s expanding AI and digital economy.
Why AI data centres matter for Africa
Africa has more than 210 data centres, but only a small portion of its infrastructure is dedicated to AI workloads.
The continent currently accounts for less than 1% of global AI data centre capacity, despite growing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital services.
AI data centres differ from traditional facilities because they are designed to handle the enormous computing power required to train and run AI models.
This infrastructure could become increasingly important as Africa’s AI market is projected to grow significantly over the coming years.
For MTN, the opportunity goes beyond supporting its own operations. The company expects the facilities to serve hyperscalers, enterprises and governments that need secure and scalable computing infrastructure within Africa.
Nigeria and South Africa are central to the plan
MTN previously disclosed plans to develop 150MW of AI data centre capacity in Nigeria and South Africa as part of its broader Ambition 2030 strategy.
The company is taking a phased approach and working with partners that already have experience building large-scale data centres in the UAE.
MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita said preparations are already underway, including land acquisition and negotiations around power supply.
Power remains one of the biggest challenges to large-scale data centre development in Africa. AI facilities require reliable and significant electricity capacity, making access to power a critical part of the investment.
A new opportunity for Africa’s digital economy
The partnership highlights a bigger shift happening across Africa.
As businesses, governments and startups increasingly adopt AI, the continent will need more than software and skilled developers. It will need the physical infrastructure capable of running these technologies.
Locally hosted AI data centres could also help African organisations keep sensitive data closer to home, reducing dependence on infrastructure outside the continent.
For MTN, the move represents another step in its transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a broader digital infrastructure company.
For Africa, the bigger question is whether investments like this can help close the continent’s infrastructure gap and position it as a stronger participant in the global AI economy.
