MTN South Africa is closing two of its oldest data centre facilities as it repositions itself for the future of digital technology in Africa.
The telecommunications giant announced it will be shutting down its Gallo Manor site in Johannesburg and the Great Westerford facility in Cape Town. The decision marks the end of an era for South African tech infrastructure, but signals the beginning of a new chapter focused on efficiency, scalability, and artificial intelligence.
Out with the Old, In with the New
MTN told ITWeb that the closures are part of a comprehensive strategy to streamline its data centre operations across the continent. The company is migrating customers from these aging, third-party facilities to newer, higher-performing locations—including both MTN-owned centres and partner-operated sites like those managed by Teraco.
The move isn’t just about upgrading hardware. MTN says it’s building “modern, integrated facilities” designed to support the next generation of digital services, with improved security, efficiency, and the ability to scale rapidly as demand grows.
A Piece of South African Tech History
The Gallo Manor data centre holds special significance in South Africa’s technology story—it was the country’s first commercial hosting environment of its kind. For over a decade, it served as a cornerstone of the nation’s digital infrastructure.
The facility weathered numerous challenges, including a notable load-shedding-related outage in 2022 that tested its resilience during South Africa’s ongoing electricity crisis. Despite its historic importance, MTN has decided that consolidation is the smarter path forward.
The Great Westerford site in Cape Town, which has been operated by Teraco since 2009, is also being phased out as part of the same rationalization effort.
Part of a Continental Vision
This restructuring is happening against the backdrop of MTN’s broader ambitions across Africa. The company currently operates approximately 18 data centres spanning 11 markets in nine African countries. In South Africa alone, it maintains multiple facilities in Johannesburg and at least one in Pretoria.
But MTN isn’t just consolidating—it’s also expanding in strategic areas. The telco is focusing on what it calls “converged data centres” that can serve both enterprise customers and mobile network operations from the same infrastructure. This dual-purpose approach allows for better resource utilization and cost efficiency.
Betting Big on Africa’s AI Future
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of MTN’s infrastructure overhaul is what it’s preparing for: artificial intelligence.
The company is currently in discussions with firms from the United States and Europe to develop AI-specific data centres across the African continent. According to reports, CEO Ralph Mupita confirmed that MTN is in “the commercial negotiation phase and shortlisting partners” for these ambitious projects.
This represents a significant vote of confidence in Africa’s potential to participate meaningfully in the global AI revolution. Rather than simply consuming AI services developed elsewhere, MTN’s plans suggest the continent could host the infrastructure that powers AI applications for African businesses and beyond.
What This Means for Customers
For businesses currently using the Gallo Manor and Great Westerford facilities, MTN has emphasized that the transition will maintain service continuity. Customers are being moved to facilities that offer superior performance, enhanced security features, and better scalability for future growth.
The company’s ongoing partnerships with providers like Teraco will continue, ensuring that MTN can offer a mix of proprietary and partner-managed infrastructure to meet diverse customer needs.
The Bigger Picture
MTN’s data centre consolidation reflects broader trends in Africa’s technology landscape. As demand for cloud services, streaming, mobile applications, and now AI continues to surge across the continent, telecommunications companies are racing to upgrade their infrastructure.
Energy efficiency is also a key consideration. Modern data centres consume significantly less power per unit of computing capacity than older facilities—a crucial advantage in markets like South Africa where electricity supply remains a persistent challenge.
By focusing resources on fewer, more advanced facilities, MTN is positioning itself to deliver better services while managing operational costs more effectively. The move also frees up capital that can be redirected toward emerging technologies and network expansion.
Looking Ahead
As Africa’s digital economy continues its rapid expansion, infrastructure decisions like these will shape the continent’s technological future. MTN’s willingness to retire historic facilities in favor of AI-ready infrastructure suggests the company is looking beyond today’s needs to anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.
For South African businesses and consumers, the promise is faster, more reliable services powered by cutting-edge technology. For MTN, it’s a calculated bet that Africa’s digital transformation is just getting started—and that the next phase will be driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and increasingly sophisticated digital services.
The closure of Gallo Manor and Great Westerford may mark the end of an era, but it also signals MTN’s commitment to ensuring that Africa doesn’t just participate in the global digital economy—it helps power it.
