Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon Lead Africa’s Data Center Boom: ST Digital’s Expansion Signals a New Era of Digital Sovereignty
Africa’s digital infrastructure is undergoing a rapid transformation, and the numbers tell a compelling story. Just 1% of the world’s data center capacity is currently located in Africa, despite housing 17% of the global population. This gap is driving a surge in investment, and companies like ST Digital are at the forefront. The recent inauguration of a Tier III data center in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, following a similar launch in September 2024, isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s a strategic move towards digital independence and a burgeoning regional tech hub.
The Rise of Local Data Infrastructure in West and Central Africa
ST Digital, a Pan-African digital services provider operating in seven countries – Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, and DRC – is aggressively expanding its footprint. The company’s Managing Director, Anthony Same, emphasizes the critical need for data centers within the region. “With this tool, our digital dynamic takes on a new dimension. In a context where digitalization is accelerating and cyberattacks are increasing, having local infrastructure is essential to protect our data,” he stated during the Grand-Bassam inauguration. This sentiment echoes that of Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, Kalil Konaté, who a year prior highlighted the infrastructure’s importance to the nation’s digital development strategy.
This isn’t simply about convenience. Storing data locally reduces latency – the delay in data transfer – which is crucial for applications like online gaming, financial transactions, and real-time analytics. More importantly, it addresses growing concerns about data sovereignty and security. As governments across Africa increasingly prioritize control over their citizens’ data, local data centers become a necessity, not a luxury.
Beyond Ivory Coast: Gabon and the Eco-Responsible Data Center
ST Digital’s ambitions extend far beyond Côte d’Ivoire. In February 2025, the company announced the acquisition of a site in the Nkok Special Economic Zone (GSEZ) in Gabon, 27 km from Libreville. This new facility will be an “eco-responsible data center,” signaling a growing awareness of the environmental impact of these energy-intensive operations. The GSEZ offers a strategic location and favorable investment climate, making it an ideal hub for ST Digital’s expansion into Central Africa.
The focus on eco-responsibility is particularly noteworthy. Data centers consume significant amounts of energy, and traditional cooling methods can be environmentally damaging. Innovative approaches, such as utilizing renewable energy sources and advanced cooling technologies, are becoming increasingly important to mitigate this impact. The Green Grid, a non-profit consortium dedicated to advancing sustainable data center practices, provides valuable resources and best practices in this area.
The Broader Implications: A Regional Tech Hub Emerges
ST Digital’s expansion isn’t happening in isolation. It’s part of a larger trend of investment in African data infrastructure. The demand for cloud services, e-commerce, and digital financial services is driving this growth. Côte d’Ivoire, with its strategic location and proactive government policies, is positioning itself as a key player in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and a potential regional technological hub.
However, challenges remain. Reliable power supply, skilled workforce development, and regulatory frameworks are all critical factors that need to be addressed to sustain this growth. Furthermore, the cost of building and operating data centers in Africa can be higher than in other regions due to logistical challenges and infrastructure limitations.
The Role of the 100% African Cloud Platform
ST Digital’s development of the first 100% African cloud platform is a particularly significant development. This platform aims to provide a secure and reliable cloud infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of African businesses. By offering a locally hosted cloud solution, ST Digital is reducing reliance on international providers and fostering innovation within the African tech ecosystem. This move directly addresses the growing demand for cloud computing and digital transformation across the continent.
The convergence of local data centers, a homegrown cloud platform, and a growing demand for digital services is creating a powerful synergy. This is not just about building infrastructure; it’s about building a digital future for Africa, one that is secure, sustainable, and locally driven. The increasing focus on cybersecurity, alongside the expansion of artificial intelligence services offered by ST Digital, further solidifies this trend.
What are your predictions for the future of data center development in Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
