Visa strengthens African footprint with launch of first data centre in Johannesburg

Landmark investment brings global payment infrastructure closer to South African consumers and businesses, reinforcing the country’s role as a digital gateway for the continent.

Credit card is seen in front of displayed Visa logo in this illustration taken, July 15, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights. 

Visa has officially launched its first data centre on the African continent, selecting Johannesburg as the site of this strategic move. The facility marks a significant step in Visa’s expansion across emerging markets and is part of a R1 billion investment earmarked for South Africa over the next three years.

The new data centre expands the reach of VisaNet, the company’s global payment processing network that handles more than 100 billion transactions annually across 200 countries. By establishing local infrastructure, Visa aims to improve the speed, resilience, and security of digital payments in South Africa while laying the groundwork for broader financial inclusion and innovation across the region.

Michael Berner, Visa’s Head of Southern and East Africa, noted that South Africa’s rapid adoption of digital payments, including a surge in contactless transactions now making up over 60% of face-to-face payments, helped shape the decision. “South Africa stands out as a digital leader on the continent,” he said. “This facility will not only serve local needs but act as a springboard for solutions that can be scaled across Africa.”

The data centre forms part of Visa’s broader $1 billion commitment to Africa, initially announced in 2022. In South Africa alone, the company’s investment strategy includes job creation, support for small businesses and female entrepreneurs, and programs to boost financial literacy.

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi praised the launch as a milestone for local economic development. “By localising payment infrastructure, Visa is helping reduce reliance on offshore systems while enhancing national digital sovereignty,” he said.

Lineshree Moodley, Visa’s Country Manager for South Africa, described the facility as a “pivotal milestone” in Visa’s long-term presence in the market. “We’re aligning with South Africa’s national vision for inclusive growth and digital transformation,” she said.

Visa has operated in South Africa for over three decades. According to Berner, the country’s evolving digital ecosystem, particularly growth in tokenised and real-time transactions, is helping reshape how global players engage with African markets. “This is not just a local investment,” he said. “It’s a platform for growth, innovation, and inclusion across the continent.”