Global payments giant Visa has officially launched its first-ever data centre in Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa—a bold move aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, accelerating payments, and helping build a more inclusive digital economy across the continent.

What’s Behind This Investment?

The Johannesburg facility is part of Visa’s broader commitment to invest approximately $57 million (R1 billion) over the next three years in South Africa, and sits within a $1 billion investment plan across Africa, first announced in 2022.

At the launch, Michael Berner, Visa’s head of Southern and East Africa, underscored the company’s dedication to the region’s growth. He called the Johannesburg site “one of very few [data centres] built outside our core locations—the US, UK, and Singapore.”

The facility enhances Visa’s global processing network—VisaNet, which handles over 100 billion transactions annually across 200 countries—by bringing processing capacity closer to Africa, thereby reducing latency, ensuring data resilience, and improving compliance with regional regulations.

Digital Momentum—Why South Africa?

South Africa is widely regarded as the fintech engine of the continent. Over 60% of face-to-face payments in the country are now made contactlessly—a clear sign of digital readiness. Visa’s country manager, Lineshree Moodley, said the Johannesburg hub is envisioned as a “launch pad for solutions” that can be expanded across Africa.

Additional analysis from Empower Africa highlighted how the data centre will reduce transaction delays, bolster system reliability, and support compliance with data localisation rules—a growing demand among African regulators.

The Bigger Picture: Africa’s $1.5 Trillion Digital Economy

Africa’s payments economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, driven by rapid advances in internet access and digital adoption. Visa’s new infrastructure positions the company at the core of this transformation, enabling better service for local fintechs, businesses, and regulators.