Africa Paves Way for Sustainable Data Infrastructure Development through Introduction of a New Code of Ethics
In a significant stride towards sustainable digital growth, the Africa Data Centre Association (ADCA) and regional partners under Smart Africa have unveiled the Africa Code of Conduct (CoC) Plan for Data Centres. This strategic blueprint aims to promote the sustainable growth of data centres across Africa, addressing critical challenges posed by the continent's rapidly expanding digital infrastructure.
The CoC Plan is an intentional response to the challenge of rising energy consumption and environmental impacts as African economies accelerate their digitalisation efforts. It encourages voluntary commitments from data centre operators and suppliers to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance operational resilience, thereby fostering a green, future-ready digital infrastructure that supports economic growth and attracts green investment across Africa.
The plan is based on the European Union Code of Conduct for Data Centre Energy Efficiency, but is tailored to Africa's unique climatic, economic, and operational realities. It will include revised best practices, contextualised benchmarks, and a continent-specific reporting and governance model. The CoC Plan is being developed with the help of international consultants Bernard Lecanu and Mark Acton, who were instrumental in shaping the European model.
The CoC Plan aims to set a new benchmark for energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and operational consistency across Africa's growing data infrastructure landscape. It will serve both as a policy guide and a practical tool, accessible to operators across linguistic, regulatory, and market environments. The plan is expected to be a cornerstone of Africa's commitment to sustainable digital growth.
The Africa CoC Plan is led by guidance from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and local governance by Smart Africa in partnership with the African Data Centre Association (ADCA). The collaborative governance arrangement will be provided by Smart Africa and ADCA to embed the CoC within the broader ecosystem of digital development policies.
The pilot programme, starting in June-July 2025, will test the applicability of EU CoC best practices in the African context, focusing on energy measurement, reporting, and operational governance. Four pilot sites have been confirmed: Digital Parks Africa, Africa Data Centres (South Africa and Kenya), PAIX Data Centres (Ghana and Kenya), and Sin Togo in Togo. A stakeholder working group of ten African-based companies has been formed to provide practical and strategic insight for the CoC's relevance and long-term value.
The Africa CoC Plan is more than a policy tool; it is a statement of intent, a commitment to building a digital future that is sustainable, self-aware, fast, and inclusive. Mary Kariuki, Marketing Manager at ADCA, has stated her mission to connect, engage, and inspire the industry to embrace voluntary energy efficiency for both sustainability and economic strength. Paul-Francois Cattier, Managing Director of ADCA, has emphasised that the CoC Plan is a cornerstone of Africa's commitment to sustainable digital growth.
The Africa CoC Plan is set to be formally launched in November 2025 during a dedicated event in Cape Town. The unveiling of the Africa Code of Conduct Plan for Data Centres represents an alignment between digital ambition and environmental responsibility, industry growth, and ethical governance, positioning Africa as a leader in sustainable digital transformation.
- The Africa Code of Conduct (CoC) Plan for Data Centres, led by the Europe Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and governed by Smart Africa in partnership with the African Data Centre Association (ADCA), aims to set a new benchmark for energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and operational consistency across Africa's growing data infrastructure landscape.
- The CoC Plan encourages voluntary commitments from data centre operators and suppliers to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance operational resilience, fostering a green, future-ready digital infrastructure that supports economic growth and attracts green investment across Africa.
- The plan is based on the European Union Code of Conduct for Data Centre Energy Efficiency, but is tailored to Africa's unique climatic, economic, and operational realities, including revised best practices, contextualized benchmarks, and a continent-specific reporting and governance model.
- The CoC Plan is more than a policy tool; it is a statement of intent, a commitment to building a digital future that is sustainable, self-aware, fast, and inclusive, positioning Africa as a leader in sustainable digital transformation.
