Visa has officially inaugurated its first data centre on the African continent, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s $1 billion pledge to expand digital infrastructure across Africa by 2027. In South Africa alone, Visa has committed approximately 1 billion rand (≈ $57 million) over the next three years.
The new facility strengthens Visa’s global transaction network, VisaNet, which handles over 100 billion transactions annually across more than 200 countries. By bringing computing and processing closer to end-users, this data centre reduces latency, improves system reliability, and fosters compliance with local data regulations. These enhancements are particularly crucial as contactless transactions now account for over 60% of face-to-face payments in South Africa.
Executives highlighted South Africa’s unique role as a digital innovator in Africa and described the Johannesburg data centre as a strategic “launch pad” for fintech innovation across the continent. The company also emphasized future support for emerging technologies, including AI-driven payment solutions.
South Africa’s Communications Minister welcomed the investment as a demonstration of international confidence and noted the move strengthens national financial sovereignty by reducing dependence on overseas infrastructure.
Visa’s data centre in Johannesburg represents more than just corporate expansion—it’s a strategic boost for Africa’s digital economy. The facility not only accelerates transaction speeds but also supports fintech companies such as Ozow, Yoco, and Stitch that rely on rapid, localized data processing. As digital payments strength grows—with Africa’s digital economy projected to near $1.5 trillion by 2030—local data infrastructure becomes increasingly critical.
Furthermore, this investment signals confidence in South Africa’s stability and tech ecosystem. It complements broader trends in the region, like expanding renewable-powered data centres and regulatory shifts favoring data localization.
Sources
- Reuters — Visa opens first Africa data centre in Johannesburg
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/visa-opens-first-africa-data-centre-johannesburg-2025-07-23/ - Techpoint Africa — Visa opens data centre in South Africa
https://techpoint.africa/news/visa-data-centre-south-africa/ - Data Centre Dynamics — Visa launches data center in Johannesburg, South Africa
https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/visa-launches-data-center-in-johannesburg-south-africa/ - Africa Briefing — Visa unlocks digital growth in Africa with new Johannesburg hub
https://africabriefing.com/visa-africa-digital-growth/
