Africa accounts for just 0.6 per cent of global data centre capacity despite representing approximately 18 per cent of the world’s population, highlighting a significant infrastructure gap that could limit the continent’s participation in the global artificial intelligence economy.
The figures were highlighted in the World Bank’s October 2026 Africa Economic Update and examined in a report by Coronation Asset Management.
According to the assessment, artificial intelligence adoption is expanding across Sub-Saharan Africa, but progress remains uneven among countries, businesses and public institutions.
Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have emerged as major centres of AI-related innovation and investment.
However, unreliable electricity supply, limited internet connectivity and the high cost of digital devices continue to restrict access.
Africa’s AI Infrastructure Gap Widens
The report identified a major imbalance between Africa’s population and its share of global digital infrastructure.
Although the continent accounts for approximately 18 per cent of the world’s population, it holds only 0.6 per cent of global data centre capacity.
Data centres provide computing, storage and networking infrastructure used by digital services.
They are also important to the development and deployment of many AI applications.
Limited infrastructure can increase dependence on computing resources located outside the continent.
It may also create challenges involving operating costs, network performance and access to advanced computing capabilities.
About 900 Million Africans Remain Offline
Digital connectivity remains another major obstacle.
According to the report, approximately 900 million Africans remain offline.
The figure illustrates the scale of the digital access challenge confronting the continent.
Internet connectivity is essential for many AI-enabled services, including digital learning, online business applications and cloud-based tools.
People without reliable internet access may be unable to benefit from these technologies.
The cost of mobile data and internet-enabled devices can create additional barriers.
Consequently, improvements in AI technology alone may not be sufficient to ensure widespread adoption.
Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa Lead Innovation
The report identified Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa as major centres of AI innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
These countries account for much of the region’s technology investment, venture capital activity and more advanced applications.
Nigeria’s growing digital economy provides opportunities for AI adoption in financial services, education, agriculture and business operations.
Kenya has also developed a technology ecosystem supporting digital innovation.
South Africa’s established corporate and financial sectors provide additional opportunities for enterprise adoption.
However, the concentration of activity in a small number of countries highlights differences in digital readiness across the region.
Large Companies Lead AI Adoption
The World Bank assessment found that AI adoption among large firms in Nigeria and Kenya stood at approximately 44 per cent.
This compares with 61 per cent among large firms in the United States.
The figures suggest that some African businesses are already incorporating AI into their operations.
However, the report noted that usage remains largely basic.
Adoption does not necessarily mean that companies are developing advanced AI systems or integrating the technology across all business functions.
The scale and sophistication of deployment remain important considerations.
AI Expected to Support Workers
The World Bank expects AI to complement rather than replace many workers in Sub-Saharan Africa in the near term.
This assessment reflects the structure of employment across the region.
A substantial share of the workforce remains engaged in agriculture, informal services and manual occupations.
Consequently, the initial economic benefits of AI may come through improvements in productivity rather than large-scale automation.
Businesses could use AI tools to support administrative tasks, improve access to information and strengthen decision-making.
However, the actual benefits will depend on implementation, training and access to reliable infrastructure.
Africa Produces Limited AI Training Data
The report also identified a significant gap in the representation of African information within global AI development.
Approximately 2 per cent of global AI training data comes from Africa, according to the assessment.
Training data is important because it helps shape the capabilities and performance of AI systems.
Limited representation may affect how effectively some applications respond to African languages, environments and local contexts.
Increasing the availability of high-quality African data could support the development of more locally relevant technologies.
However, such efforts would also require appropriate privacy safeguards, governance and technical capacity.
Electricity Supply Remains a Major Challenge
Reliable electricity is essential for digital infrastructure.
Data centres, telecommunications networks and computing facilities require consistent power to operate.
Unreliable supply can increase operating expenses and discourage investment.
The report identified electricity shortages as one of the major constraints on AI adoption across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Improving energy infrastructure could therefore support both technology development and wider economic productivity.
AI Offers Opportunities for Economic Growth
The World Bank’s assessment suggests that broader AI adoption could help improve productivity across African economies.
Potential applications include agriculture, education, healthcare, financial services and public administration.
However, the scale of the benefits will depend on digital skills, infrastructure investment and the ability of institutions to deploy technology effectively.
For businesses, the challenge will involve moving beyond experimentation towards applications that deliver measurable improvements.
Africa Must Address Digital Inequality
The findings highlight the need for coordinated investment in connectivity, electricity, computing infrastructure and skills development.
Without these improvements, AI adoption could remain concentrated among large companies and digitally connected populations.
Smaller businesses and underserved communities may struggle to participate.
Africa’s long-term opportunity lies in building the infrastructure and capabilities needed to develop and use AI in ways that respond to local economic needs.
The continent’s growing technology ecosystem offers a foundation, but closing the digital divide remains essential to ensuring that AI contributes to inclusive economic development.
