Microsoft is embarking on expansive growth initiatives, with plans to establish a new data center campus in Centurion, South Africa, and breaking ground on new facilities in São Paulo state, Brazil.

In South Africa, Microsoft has announced intentions to construct a data center campus in the Kosmosdal area, located to the south of Pretoria. The move is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for cloud and AI services in Africa from both public and private sectors. While specific details regarding the campus specifications and timelines were not disclosed, Microsoft emphasized its commitment to fostering digital transformation in South Africa and Africa as a whole in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

This development marks a significant step forward in Microsoft’s efforts to bolster its presence in South Africa, following the establishment of Azure regions in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2019. Although the Cape Town region was delisted at the beginning of 2021, Microsoft remains focused on expanding its cloud infrastructure across the continent.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, Microsoft has commenced construction on additional data centers in the Campinas area of São Paulo state. The mayor of Hortolândia, Zezé Gomes, confirmed that Microsoft has initiated the construction of two data centers in the region, with operations expected to commence between 2025 and 2026. These projects, which were first unveiled last year, aim to bolster Microsoft’s existing presence in Brazil, where it launched the Brazil South Azure cloud region in Campinas in 2014.

With these strategic investments, Microsoft is poised to further solidify its position as a leading provider of cloud services in both South Africa and Brazil, underscoring its commitment to facilitating digital innovation and growth in these dynamic markets.