U.S. firms secure multibillion-dollar African data-center contracts, outpacing China
American companies have closed more than $25 billion in data-center and power projects across Africa, surpassing Chinese competitors with U.S. diplomatic support.
The Trump administration’s commercial diplomacy strategy has helped U.S. firms lock in $25.67 billion of African data-center and energy contracts, according to the Bureau of African Affairs. Highlights include a $6.2 billion pumped-storage hydropower and AI data-center project in Lesotho, a $600 million 2025 deal in Gabon, and a $100 million data-center contract there that beat Huawei. Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia emphasized the goal of creating a fair market for U.S. companies versus China’s entrenched presence.
Convalt Energy’s Hari Achuthan stressed faster innovation and integrated hardware-software solutions, while Cybastion’s Thierry Wandji pointed to the firm’s understanding of African markets. The projects are expected to boost U.S. equipment exports and generate local economic benefits, positioning the United States as a preferred partner for digital infrastructure on the continent.
Why it matters
The deals shift African digital infrastructure toward U.S. firms, affecting trade balances and technology competition with China.
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