ESI Africa Highlights Digitalisation and Data Centre Needs in Africa’s Energy Sector

Digital technologies are increasingly shaping the development and operation of Africa’s power systems, with smart meters, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI) creating new opportunities for utilities to improve monitoring, access to operational data and decision-making.

However, integrating these technologies into existing energy infrastructure presents challenges around legacy systems, cybersecurity, compatibility and the capacity of current infrastructure to support increased connectivity.

The growing demand for data centres, driven by the expansion of AI and digital services, is also adding to discussions about Africa’s energy and digital infrastructure requirements. As organisations seek to deploy more advanced technologies, the availability of reliable power, data processing capacity and secure infrastructure remains central to the continent’s digital ambitions.

These developments are examined in the Industry Insights Smart Solutions Volume, published by ESI Africa, a VUKA Group publication. The volume explores the opportunities and challenges associated with digitalisation, IoT, AI and smart metering in power and energy systems, alongside the implications of data centre growth.

The publication also highlights the importance of connecting established infrastructure with emerging smart technologies. This issue is further explored in ESI Africa’s on-demand webinar, Securing the Bridge Between Legacy and Smart, which examines the integration of traditional infrastructure with newer digital systems, including the security and operational considerations involved.

The relationship between digital infrastructure and AI development is another focus, with the webinar The Digital Infrastructure Gold Rush: What Africa Needs to Turn Its AI Ambition into Reality examining the infrastructure requirements for expanding AI capabilities across the continent, particularly the role of data centres.

The wider digitalisation and energy infrastructure discussion will continue at Enlit Africa 2027, scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town from 11 to 13 May 2027. The event will bring together energy sector stakeholders to discuss emerging technologies, infrastructure priorities and investment opportunities affecting the industry.

Financing and project development also remain important to advancing Africa’s digital and energy ambitions. Through its Project & Investment Network, ESI Africa connects infrastructure project owners with investors, financiers and solution providers to support project development and implementation. The platform invites organisations to submit projects and investors to register their interest.

ESI Africa said its forthcoming Smart Solutions & Data Centres Volume 2027 will continue examining developments in smart technologies and the infrastructure supporting Africa’s digital growth, with integration, cybersecurity, investment and infrastructure capacity remaining key considerations.