Africa Data Centres (ADC), a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, has unveiled a major expansion project at its CPT1 facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Armed with a $500 million investment, the company aims to solidify its position in the burgeoning African data center market, projected to reach US$5 billion by 2026, according to reports.
The expansion will see the addition of three new state-of-the-art data halls within the CPT1 campus, effectively doubling the facility’s current capacity. This move is expected to increase the facility’s IT load by 6MW, significantly bolstering its capabilities to meet the escalating demand for colocation services in the region.
This development is not surprising, given the exponential growth of data consumption across Africa. The continent’s rapid digital transformation, coupled with increasing internet penetration and the proliferation of cloud-based services, has fueled the demand for reliable, scalable data center infrastructure.
ADC’s expansion is further fueled by a substantial $300 million loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), highlighting the strategic importance of the African data center market in the global digital landscape. The DFC’s involvement underscores the potential of the African continent to become a major player in the global digital economy.
The expansion at CPT1 will not only enhance ADC’s service offerings but also contribute to the economic development of the region. The project is expected to generate numerous job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, through the construction and operation of the new data halls. Moreover, the increased data center capacity will attract more businesses to Cape Town, further boosting the local economy.
“This expansion by Africa Data Centres is a response to the increasing demand for co-location capacity in South Africa,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “We are committed to providing our customers with world-class data center infrastructure that meets their evolving needs.”
ADC’s CPT1 facility has been at the forefront of innovation, notably becoming the first data center in Africa to implement wheeled solar power through a partnership with Distributed Power Africa. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing global focus on green data centers and reducing carbon footprints.
The expansion of the CPT1 facility is a testament to ADC’s ambition to become a leading player in the African data center market. With its strategic location, cutting-edge technology, and focus on sustainability, ADC is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities in this dynamic market.
