Egypt plans up to seven mega data centers by 2030
Egypt plans to develop five to seven mega data centers over the next four to five years. The initiative aims to strengthen digital sovereignty, expand local computing infrastructure and support international digital services.
According to the Egyptian State Information Service, Communications and Information Technology Minister Raafat Hendy outlined the plans at Egypt Forum 2026. Some facilities are expected to begin operations and serve international markets by 2030. Construction would continue on the remaining projects.
Digital sovereignty drives infrastructure plans
The data center expansion forms part of Egypt’s Digital Egypt strategy, which prioritizes sovereign infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data protection. Hendy emphasized the importance of international cooperation, noting that complete digital sovereignty is not a realistic objective for any country.
The government aims to develop national capabilities while maintaining cooperation with international technology partners. Egypt also plans to increase the ICT sector’s contribution to GDP to 8% by 2030. Other targets include $12 billion in annual digital exports and 200,000 new jobs.
Egypt is also working with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on its national AI strategy. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the five-year framework will promote responsible AI adoption, standardize government systems and strengthen secure data exchange.
Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom has also called for stronger cybersecurity standards and regulatory safeguards. These measures aim to improve transparency, accountability and protection against risks arising from autonomous AI systems. However, the government has not clarified how the OECD cooperation relates to its existing National AI Strategy for 2025–2030.
EGYPT’S DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AMBITIONS
5–7 mega data centers planned over the next four to five years
2030 – Target for the first facilities to begin serving international markets
$12 billion – Annual digital export target by 2030
Digital sovereignty – Local data hosting, cybersecurity, secure data exchange and AI governance are central priorities
OECD cooperation – A five-year AI policy framework focused on responsible adoption, regulation and data security
Sovereign AI infrastructure attracts investment
Egypt has already announced a major data center initiative involving Vodafone Business, Elsewedy Electric and Cassava Technologies.
According to a September announcement, the partnership includes plans for a sovereign AI data center. The project initially targets 20 megawatts of capacity, with potential expansion to 200 megawatts. Planned investment could reach $1 billion at full development.
The facility aims to support secure local data hosting and processing, alongside cloud and AI services. Egypt is also expanding its international connectivity through submarine cables and fiber-optic infrastructure.
However, the government has not disclosed the locations, individual capacities or investment costs of the five to seven planned mega data centers.
