UniCloud Africa and Open Access Data Centres have announced a new partnership aimed at keeping African data within the continent and reducing reliance on foreign cloud providers.
Under the agreement, UniCloud Africa will deploy its sovereign cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure inside OADC’s data centres located in Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa. These facilities will provide local hosting for governments and businesses, helping them meet data protection rules and keep sensitive information within national borders.
The deal comes as concerns grow over “data colonialism”, a term used to describe how African data is often stored and controlled outside the continent. Both companies say building local infrastructure is key to ensuring digital independence and stronger control over data.
Krish Ranganath said the partnership supports the company’s “One Cloud, One Africa” vision. He explained that hosting services locally will reduce delays in data processing, improve performance, and allow customers to pay in local currencies while still meeting global security standards.
Ranganath added that relying on overseas cloud systems can create risks around data privacy and unclear regulations, which many African organisations have struggled with.
“Our goal is to build a strong foundation for Africa’s digital and economic independence,” he said, noting that keeping data within the continent will give clients faster access and more secure, compliant services.
Ayotunde Coker described the agreement as an important step towards building a connected digital system across Africa. He said OADC’s Tier III-certified facilities will provide the reliability needed to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and large-scale data processing.
The partnership will make use of OADC’s growing presence across key markets. In Lagos, Nigeria, the data centre campus will support the country’s expanding fintech and business sectors. In Kinshasa, the project will introduce local cloud services to help speed up digital adoption in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In South Africa, a network of facilities will provide both primary and backup data services.
Beyond infrastructure, UniCloud Africa plans to introduce a GPU-as-a-Service model. This will allow companies, researchers, and startups to access high-performance computing for AI and data analysis without needing to invest heavily in hardware.
The model is expected to lower costs and make advanced technology more accessible, especially as global cloud providers often charge high fees and require payments in foreign currencies. The partnership will also remove data transfer charges and offer pricing in local currencies, addressing a major challenge for African businesses.
The move aligns with wider efforts across the continent to strengthen digital infrastructure, support local innovation, and reduce dependence on foreign technology systems. As more governments introduce data protection laws and policies that require data to be stored locally, demand for such services is likely to grow.
For UniCloud Africa and OADC, the agreement marks a long-term plan to build an African-owned digital backbone, aimed at supporting economic growth while ensuring that the continent retains control over its data.
