Uganda has inaugurated Africa's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center, a landmark facility developed by Synectics Technologies. This pioneering project signifies a major advancement in the continent's digital transformation, aiming to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on external data processing capabilities.
The ambitious $1.2 billion endeavor is designed to utilize 100 megawatts of renewable energy and features a modular design for future scalability, with an initial rollout targeted for mid-2026. The project is structured around four key objectives: advanced data management and processing, robust support for research and development, functioning as a central advisory hub, and hosting a dedicated AI Center of Excellence. This center will operate on a Build-Operate-Transfer model to foster local expertise and equip Ugandan talent with the skills needed for this cutting-edge facility.
The envisioned "digital city" will span over 80 acres, creating an ecosystem for African researchers to optimize AI-driven innovations tailored to the continent's specific needs. Synectics Technologies is collaborating with industry leaders such as Schneider Electric and Nvidia, along with Turner & Townsend, to realize this vision. The initiative addresses Africa's current data center capacity, which is less than one percent of the global total, highlighting concerns about data security, sovereignty, and compliance amidst the implementation of stringent data privacy regulations across many African nations.
Wendy Cerutti of Turner & Townsend noted that the facility will adhere to international standards, contributing to Africa's digital future and aligning with net-zero goals. Projections indicate that AI could contribute as much as $1.5 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2030, positioning the continent as a growing hub for research, innovation, and skills export. Ifeanyi Odoh of Schneider Electric pointed out that the lack of large-scale infrastructure has historically hindered hyperscale investments in Africa.
The new data center is equipped with multiple fiber routes, redundant transformers, and advanced automation systems to ensure consistent reliability. Experts warn that without localized capacity, the risks of data misuse and weakened compliance will increase with the accelerated adoption of AI. Synectics and its partners are committed to building trust and essential digital infrastructure by integrating robust privacy and compliance frameworks. This AI factory, powered entirely by renewable energy, is expected to catalyze digital economies across East Africa and symbolize Africa's embrace of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The project's strategic connectivity is further enhanced by a 2,500 km fiber optic network linking Uganda to submarine cables in Kenya and Tanzania, expanding its regional and global reach. This initiative is part of a broader continental strategy to decrease Africa's dependence on foreign data centers, potentially retaining approximately 98% of African data locally. Known as the Aeonian Project, it aims to foster homegrown AI development, enabling local researchers to build models that reflect African languages and contexts, a crucial step for relevant and beneficial AI solutions.
The facility's commitment to renewable energy, utilizing power from the Karuma hydropower plant and natural river water for cooling, underscores its dedication to sustainable digital infrastructure development. PwC estimates that AI adoption could boost Africa's GDP by up to 4.9 percentage points over the next decade.