Water key to Africa’s data centre future

by THEMBAKAZI SITHOLE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – WATER sustainability has emerged as a critical consideration for Africa’s rapidly expanding data centre sector, with industry experts urging developers to integrate responsible resource management into future infrastructure plans.

The issue took centre stage at the Pan African DataCentres Exhibition and Conference 2026 during a panel discussion titled “The Importance of Water in Future Data Centres, Considering the Global Shortage of Fresh Water is a Reality.”

Moderated by Emilie Wilson, Director of Rising Advisory Africa, the session featured Carlyn Lewis, Consultant for Natural Resources and Environment at ENS, and Denessa Loregnard, Founder of The Loregnard Group.

The discussion comes as Africa’s digital infrastructure market continues to grow, driven by rising demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence and digital transformation initiatives.

While data centres are essential to supporting economic development, experts stressed that growth must be balanced with environmental responsibility.

Panellists noted that concerns about data centres’ water consumption are often overstated. Modern facilities increasingly utilise advanced cooling technologies, water recycling systems and closed-loop processes that significantly reduce freshwater demand while maintaining operational performance.

However, speakers emphasised that sustainable planning must be incorporated from the earliest stages of development, particularly as operators expand into regions where water resources and infrastructure may already be under pressure.

Regulatory complexity was identified as another significant challenge. Securing and maintaining water-use approvals often involves multiple authorities and lengthy administrative processes.

In several African markets, municipal capacity constraints and ageing infrastructure can further complicate long-term planning.

The panel highlighted the importance of engaging proactively with regulators and local authorities to ensure compliance and support sustainable growth.

Community engagement was also identified as a key factor in securing a project’s long-term success. Experts argued that operators must demonstrate tangible benefits to surrounding communities through employment, skills development, infrastructure investment and environmental stewardship.

The discussion also highlighted emerging technologies capable of improving sustainability outcomes, including advanced cooling systems, water recycling innovations and circular economy solutions.

International examples of repurposing waste heat generated by data centres were cited as models that could eventually be adopted across Africa.

Panellists concluded that responsible water management is not a barrier to digital growth but a prerequisite for building a resilient, sustainable and globally competitive digital economy across the continent.

– CAJ News