Africa’s digital economy is expanding at a remarkable pace. From mobile banking and cloud computing to the expansion of e-commerce and enterprise systems, nearly every online service now relies on the data centres that drive the continent’s digital infrastructure. Yet, these facilities are highly energy-intensive, and across much of Africa, electricity is expensive and often unreliable.

For operators, energy efficiency has become a strategic priority. Herman Mare, General Manager: Protection and Control at ACTOM, says the conversation has shifted well beyond technical performance. “Energy efficiency is no longer only an engineering concern,” says Mare. “It plays a direct role in maintaining uptime, managing operating costs and ensuring long-term sustainability.”

The growing stakes of digital demand

Clinton Vieira, Business Development: Data Centres for Sub-Saharan Africa at ACTOM, notes the stakes are growing as Africa’s digital demand accelerates. Data centres form the backbone of the modern economy. If operators want to support the next wave of digital services across the continent, they need energy strategies that strengthen resilience while keeping operations cost-effective.

Electricity remains the single largest operating cost for most data centres. In many African markets, power infrastructure is ageing or inconsistent, forcing operators to rely on backup generation to keep facilities online. “Power instability adds complexity to data centre operations,” Vieira explains. Every disruption or inefficiency has a direct impact on costs and the reliability customers expect.

Turning energy challenges into opportunities

Despite these challenges, Mare believes the situation also presents an opportunity. Operators who address energy efficiency strategically can reduce energy losses, improve reliability and operate far more efficiently. Those improvements translate into stronger and more sustainable operations.

One of the most effective ways to improve efficiency begins with electrical infrastructure. Medium-Voltage (MV) systems deliver power more efficiently than traditional low-voltage connections and reduce energy losses across the facility. “Medium-voltage infrastructure allows power to be distributed far more effectively,” says Mare. It also enables redundancy by allowing multiple feeds from different substations so that if one power source fails, the facility can continue operating.

Infrastructure as a foundation for growth

According to Mare, this type of investment also prepares facilities for future innovation. Medium-voltage systems create the foundation for integrating intelligent monitoring and renewable energy solutions, helping data centres scale alongside the digital economy.

Infrastructure alone is not enough. Visibility into energy usage is equally important. Modern monitoring systems allow operators to track energy consumption across their facilities in real time. “When operators can see exactly how energy flows through their systems, they can make far better decisions,” says Vieira. Data allows them to identify inefficiencies, anticipate problems, and optimise performance.

Real-time insight and predictive maintenance

Real-time insight means equipment such as transformers, batteries, or generators can be deployed where they are needed. It also changes the way maintenance is approached. Instead of reacting to equipment failures, operators can anticipate when intervention is required and act before problems escalate.

This visibility is particularly valuable in regions where technical expertise may be concentrated in certain areas. With remote monitoring, engineers can analyse system performance from anywhere and support on-site teams when needed.

Building resilience with hybrid energy

Renewable and hybrid energy solutions are also becoming an important part of the energy mix for African data centres. Solar, wind and battery storage can provide stability where the grid supply is inconsistent.

“Renewable energy is not only about sustainability,” says Mare. It also improves operational resilience. Strong electrical infrastructure and intelligent monitoring, when paired with renewable systems, add an extra layer of reliability.

Hybrid energy models can also reduce dependence on diesel generators while lowering operating costs and carbon emissions.

Efficiency as a competitive advantage

Improving energy efficiency strengthens the overarching business model governing data centres. Lower operating costs, better reliability and stronger infrastructure make facilities more attractive to global investors and digital service providers.

Mare believes the decisions operators make today will define the industry’s future. The demand for digital infrastructure will only increase, and operators who invest in efficient electrical systems, intelligent monitoring and integrated energy strategies will lead the market.

As Africa’s digital economy grows, the infrastructure supporting it must evolve as well. When energy systems are designed intelligently, from medium-voltage infrastructure to monitoring and renewables, data centres become stronger and better prepared for the future.