Trends in Adoption and Challenges of Green Computing in Africa

Green computing has emerged as a critical strategy for achieving sustainable technological growth globally. In Africa, this approach offers an essential path to mitigating pressing issues such as energy scarcity, poor e-waste management, and environmental degradation. Green computing encompasses environmentally friendly practices in the design, usage, and disposal of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. This paper explores trends, drivers, challenges, and future directions of green computing adoption in Africa, emphasizing the role of data centers, cloud computing, and policy enforcement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing secondary sources such as journal articles, case studies, and institutional reports published between 2019 and 2024. Key findings reveal that renewable energy integration in ICT operations, policy support, and international collaborations are driving adoption in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda. However, persistent barriers—such as limited infrastructure, high initial costs, and a shortage of skilled professionals—continue to hinder widespread implementation. The study recommends coordinated stakeholder action, increased investment in education and renewable energy, and the development of regional green ICT hubs. This paper contributes to understanding how Africa can align digital transformation with sustainability, advancing both environmental goals and socio-economic development.