MTN to build 150MW AI data centres in Nigeria, South Africa amid global AI market worries
MTN Group plans to develop AI-enabled data centres with an initial capacity of 150 megawatts across Nigeria and South Africa through a venture with an undisclosed UAE-backed investor, Nairametrics reported in August 2026. The initiative aims to boost computing capacity and support the continent's growing artificial intelligence ecosystem.
This matters because Africa's AI market is projected to expand from $4.5 billion in 2025 to $16.5 billion by 2030, signaling a major investment opportunity even as global AI-linked stocks fell sharply after executives from Anthropic, OpenAI and xAI warned about the risks of rapid AI development. For Nigerians, the project could create jobs in construction, operations and tech sectors, and improve local access to high-performance computing for startups, researchers and enterprises.
What should you know or do? Keep an eye on MTN's official announcements for exact launch dates, locations within Nigeria, and partnership details. Consider building skills in data-centre management, AI engineering or related fields to tap into the emerging demand. Monitor how the venture's rollout affects power supply and internet infrastructure in your area, and assess whether local businesses can leverage the new capacity for AI-driven products or services.