South Africa’s Data-Centre Boom Faces Water and Power Scrutiny

South Africa’s rapid expansion as a destination for data centers is facing resistance from civil rights and environmental groups concerned about electricity, land, and water use.

The South African Human Rights Commission has received more than 250 submissions on the issue. Some campaigners want new developments paused until their effects on surrounding communities have been properly assessed.

South Africa reportedly hosts about 70 percent of Africa’s existing data center capacity. Demand is growing as cloud computing and artificial intelligence require more servers and processing power.

A planned Equinix facility in Cape Town is expected to require an estimated 160 megawatts of electricity. Industry representatives argue that newer facilities use renewable energy, consume relatively little water, and can take advantage of available power capacity.

The debate is not simply technology versus development. Data centers can create investment and support digital services, but communities want assurances that essential resources will not be diverted from households.

Transparent environmental studies and public reporting will be crucial as Africa’s digital economy expands.