Africa is rising - and young. With a median age of just 19, nearly 60% of the population is under 25, and one-quarter of the world’s children call the continent home (en.wikipedia.org).

Over the next 75 years, Africa’s share of the global population will climb from 17% to around 38% by 2100 (en.wikipedia.org). That’s not just growth, it’s the spark of a generational wave.

 

Why Digital Infrastructure Matters Now

The leap in AI, 5G, cloud services, and smart technologies is driving a global surge in data centre demand (mckinsey.com, cbre.com). These facilities are the foundation of our digital economy, and they also bring critical job opportunities:

  • Construction phase: ~3–6 direct jobs per MW for co‑location centres (cc-techgroup.com, linkedin.com).
  • Larger builds offer more: 100 MW can create ~500 construction jobs and 50 permanent operational roles (bcg.com).

In Africa, every megawatt built represents real opportunities for young locals to build careers, not only as technicians and engineers, but also in support roles and community outreach. 

 

But there’s a gap

Despite the potential, Africa faces a workforce challenge. While young talent exists, awareness of the data centre sector is limited. Despite global benchmarks in curricula, assessment, and certification being a requirement, many of these training models aren’t tailored to African realities, nor are they accessible in terms of cost and support.

 

A coalition ready to act

Enter our Data Centre Africa Talent Project, backed by the Digital Investment Facility (DIF), Africa Data Centre Association (ADCA), and led by IBTC, alongside talent specialists DCE and curriculum advisors like Lee Perrin at CBRE.

We're kicking off the project with a Data Centre Skills Survey. We’re not just gathering data, we’re building a contextualised training and placement model that aims to address:

  • Awareness: Educating youth about the digital infrastructure sector
  • Access: Affordable, blended learning with regional support
  • Alignment: Matching skills to actual job roles and industry standards
  • Pathways: Structured pipelines from training to employment to employment to growth
  • African need: growing a talent pool for DCs that works for Africa

 

We need your help

By completing our anonymous Data Centre Skills Survey 2025, data centre operators, investors, and policymakers will gain insights into:

  • The kinds of roles and skills in demand
  • Current training gaps and opportunities
  • Workforce expansion and local development potential

And your input will unlock the final continental report, giving you early access to data that can influence how countries, colleges, and companies set up future-ready talent programmes.

 

Let’s build talent, not just infrastructure.

Africa's youth is its greatest asset, but only if we create the right pathways. Digital infrastructure isn't just about servers and cables, it’s about creating skilled communities that drive economies forward.

Join our survey today to be part of the change > Africa Data Centre Skills Survey 2025 

 

Collaborators:

  • IBTC – Leading educational design
  • Data Centre Elite – Talent sourcing & placement
  • CBRE / Lee Perrin – Curriculum and operational insights
  • Backed by: Digital Investment Facility (DIF) and  Africa Data Centre Association (ADCA)

Let’s move from potential to power - together.