Global Data Center REITs Targeting Africa and the U.S. with AI

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: DLR) announced plans to develop a large-scale data center campus at Astra Enterprise Park in Kansas City, Missouri, with up to 600 MW of power phased in by early 2028 and a long-term expansion target of 2 GW.

The company expanded its stake in Teraco, Africa’s largest neutral data center operator, to approximately 77% as of March 31, 2026, bolstering its exposure to the local market. On May 8, 2026, Digital Realty agreed to acquire Columbia Capital, a private equity firm specializing in communications and digital infrastructure, for about $510 million (roughly KRW 700 billion) plus potential earn-out payments of $275–290 million (around KRW 360–380 billion).

The acquisition consideration will be paid in cash and in Digital Realty common shares subject to a lock-up, with an earn-out structure tied to performance through the end of 2027. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

After reporting first-quarter 2026 results, Digital Realty provided growth guidance reflecting rising artificial intelligence and cloud demand. Several brokerages subsequently raised their price targets on the stock based on expected AI-driven growth.

The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $1.22 per share, payable on June 30, and launched an at-the-market equity program to raise up to $7.5 billion (approximately KRW 10 trillion) to fund future data center capital expenditures.

Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Digital Realty is a data center-focused REIT that owns and operates carrier- and cloud-neutral facilities worldwide, serving both hyperscale and colocation customers. According to S&P Global, as of 2025 the company ranks among the top five U.S.-listed REITs by market capitalization and has expanded its footprint in line with growing global data center and digital infrastructure demand.