Startup links AI growth to green data centres

by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH African artificial intelligence startup Unco AI is seeking partnerships with sustainable data centre operators as it scales a new generation of locally developed AI solutions designed to expand access to technology across underserved communities.

The company, founded by entrepreneur Botillo Baloi, has emerged as one of the country’s most promising AI innovators by developing chatbot platforms that function without internet connectivity, addressing a longstanding challenge for millions of Africans affected by high data costs and limited digital access.

Unco AI’s technology supports communication in all of South Africa’s official languages and operates without requiring Wi-Fi or mobile data, positioning the startup to serve users in areas where connectivity remains unreliable or unaffordable.

As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services grows across Africa, Baloi believes sustainable digital infrastructure will play a decisive role in determining which innovators succeed.

The startup is therefore actively looking for environmentally responsible data centre partners capable of supporting AI growth while minimising pressure on South Africa’s constrained energy resources.

“We are looking for data centre partners that believe in green data centres and prioritise sustainability,” Baloi said during the Pan-African Data Centres Conference in Johannesburg.

The company’s expansion comes at a time when Africa’s digital infrastructure sector is undergoing rapid transformation.

Industry experts at the conference warned that the explosive growth of AI applications is placing increasing pressure on energy systems, grid capacity and renewable power development.

Panel discussions highlighted how data centres are becoming major drivers of electricity demand globally, with the sector increasingly relying on renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements to secure long-term supply.

Experts noted that regulatory delays, limited grid capacity and lengthy approval processes continue to slow renewable energy projects across Africa, creating challenges for technology companies dependent on reliable infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, Unco AI’s emphasis on sustainability reflects a broader industry shift towards balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility.

The startup has already attracted support from global technology leaders Microsoft and NVIDIA and participates in South Africa’s Digitech Programme, an initiative led by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

Its product portfolio includes Steady Edge for consumers, City Enterprise Leno for businesses and City Government for public-sector institutions.

Baloi said accessibility, affordability and sustainability remain central to the company’s strategy. She added that engagement with data centre operators and infrastructure specialists has provided valuable insights into the technological ecosystem required to support AI development at scale.

As Africa races to build the infrastructure needed for the AI era, companies such as Unco AI are demonstrating how locally developed innovation can address uniquely African challenges while promoting digital inclusion, energy efficiency and technological sovereignty across the continent.

– CAJ News