Greek Firm Amaco Plans US$1.5 Billion Mombasa Data Centre
Kenya · EXPAT
Key Facts
- —What happened Greek multinational Amaco Energy Group has proposed a KSh194 billion (about US$1.5 billion) artificial intelligence data centre and power project in Mombasa, Kenya.
- —How big Amaco describes the plan as one of the world’s largest AI data-centre facilities, designed to run independently of Kenya’s electricity grid.
- —The catch As of September 2026 the project remains a proposal under discussion, with no final site, capacity, customer list or financing structure disclosed.
- —Who it hits The talks involve national and county officials, regulators, banks and potential partners in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- —What comes next Amaco has not disclosed a construction timeline; securing approvals and financing comes first.
A Greek energy group wants to build a KSh194 billion (about US$1.5 billion) Mombasa data centre powered by liquefied natural gas, independent of Kenya’s grid. The plan is still under discussion, but it signals how seriously global investors now view East Africa’s artificial intelligence ambitions.
Greek multinational Amaco Energy Group has proposed a KSh194 billion (about US$1.5 billion) artificial intelligence data centre and integrated power project in Mombasa, Kenya. The plan, led by founder and chief executive Dr Theodore Theodoropoulos, remains a proposal under discussion as of September 2026, not an approved or financed project.
What the Mombasa data centre proposal includes
Amaco is holding talks in Nairobi and Mombasa with national and county officials, regulators, banks and potential partners. The goal is to secure approvals and structure financing for what the firm calls one of the world’s largest AI data-centre facilities.
The project is designed to operate independently of Kenya’s electricity grid. That independence is central to the pitch, because reliable power remains one of the biggest constraints on large-scale digital infrastructure in the region.
At the heart of the proposal is a system named HERCULES. Amaco describes it as an offshore liquefied natural gas, or LNG, powered “smart-power” architecture that combines fuel processing, electricity generation, cooling and AI data-centre infrastructure in a single design.
The HERCULES power system explained
Amaco says HERCULES would supply continuous power to the data centre and could potentially export surplus electricity into Kenya’s grid. The system would initially run on LNG but is designed to be compatible with hydrogen and renewable energy in the future.
The company also says the facility would use Indian Ocean water for cooling. It would recover heat and cold to limit water stress, a practical concern for a coastal city where fresh water is a sensitive resource.
Amaco has not disclosed a construction timeline, final site, information technology capacity, electrical load, customer list, environmental approvals or detailed financing structure.
Where the project could be built
Sites under consideration include locations within the Port of Mombasa, notably Kilindini Harbour. The port offers deep-water access, industrial land and proximity to the Mariakani substation for offloading excess power into the national grid.
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and the main gateway for East African trade. For expatriates and investors, the port area is already a familiar logistics hub, but a data centre of this scale would mark a shift toward digital infrastructure.
The proposal fits a wider pattern of infrastructure investment flowing into coastal Kenya. It also connects to the broader contest for African digital and energy assets covered in Africa: The New Scramble.
Kenya’s place in the global AI race
Kenya has marketed its largely renewable power mix and submarine cable landings as an East African hub for data and cloud services. The country already hosts significant connectivity infrastructure serving the wider region.
Yet the commercial case for massive AI facilities remains unproven locally. The Microsoft–G42 data centre at Olkaria has stalled, highlighting the power-demand and commercial-risk questions that any new entrant must answer.
Amaco’s proposal is therefore being watched closely. If it moves forward, it would test whether private, off-grid power can unlock data-centre investment that grid constraints have so far held back.
What it means for expats and investors
For professionals and investors already in Kenya, the proposal signals potential demand for engineering, construction, logistics and financial services. A project of this scale would create a visible cluster of activity around Mombasa and the port.
For those considering a move, the plan is a reminder that East Africa’s infrastructure story is no longer only about roads, rail and power lines. Digital and energy projects are increasingly part of the conversation.
Still, caution is warranted. The project has not secured final approvals or financing, and Amaco has not named customers or confirmed technical specifications.
What to watch next
The immediate next step is whether Amaco converts its discussions into signed agreements with Kenyan authorities and financial partners. Any announcement on a final site, capacity or financing structure would mark a significant milestone.
Investors should also watch for environmental approvals and any public comment from the Port of Mombasa or national energy regulators. Those steps will determine whether the 28-month construction timeline is realistic.
For now, the Mombasa data centre remains a bold proposal rather than a committed project. Its progress will be a useful gauge of Kenya’s ability to attract the next wave of digital infrastructure investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Amaco’s Mombasa data centre project worth?
Amaco Energy Group has proposed a KSh194 billion (about US$1.5 billion) artificial intelligence data centre and power project in Mombasa, Kenya.
Is the Mombasa data centre project approved?
No, as of September 2026 the project remains a proposal under discussion, with no final site, capacity, customer list or financing structure disclosed.
How would the data centre be powered?
Amaco’s HERCULES system would use offshore liquefied natural gas to generate power independently of Kenya’s grid, with future compatibility for hydrogen and renewable energy.
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