MTN Aims to Build $6 Billion AI Data Center Network in Africa
MTN Group has partnered with Dubai-based investor Tarek Al Ashram to construct a 150 MW AI-ready data center network across Africa, positioning the telecom giant to capitalize on the region’s burgeoning demand for big data infrastructure.
Industry experts estimate the project’s total cost at between $3 billion and $6 billion depending on the power, cooling and technology solutions used. Nigeria and South Africa are identified as the first markets.
Al Ashram’s experience with Gulf Data Hub and backing from KKR provide an established track record of large-scale data center delivery, while MTN brings its own fibre network and pan-African footprint to the table.
The deal comes after MTN announced its intention to develop its AI and cloud business through third-party collaborations rather than vertical integration.
AI data centers are poised to support cloud services, digital payments, enterprise applications and government systems.
The scale of the planned capacity would give MTN a meaningful position in the continent’s growing demand for high-performance computing as businesses and public institutions increasingly require more powerful digital infrastructure.
