Equinix has officially opened its latest data center expansion in Lagos. Called LG2.3, the facility will support Nigeria’s growing digital transformation efforts, providing state-of-the-art colocation and secure interconnection solutions to empower businesses across the region.
According to a statement by Equinix, the launch signifies the company’s unwavering dedication to advancing Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region.
As part of the inauguration, Bruce Owen, President of EMEA at Equinix, along with other executives, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly expanded site. In addition to an official visit to the Governor of Lagos State, the company hosted an exclusive customer engagement event, bringing together key customers and partners from Nigeria’s business and technology sectors.
Attendees discussed the company’s role in facilitating digital transformation, while also connecting directly with Bruce Owen for insights into how Equinix’s solutions drive innovation and business agility in the region.
Speaking about the expansion, Bruce Owen, President of EMEA at Equinix, said:
“Nigeria is a crucial market for Equinix. Today’s opening is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment to invest and grow digital infrastructure that will benefit the many thousands of businesses in Nigeria and on the continent as a whole. I am deeply encouraged by the enthusiastic partnerships and innovations emerging from this dynamic region, which continue to inspire our commitment to Nigeria’s digital and sustainable future.”
Equinix executives also took part in a tree-planting ceremony, symbolising Equinix’s continued investment in sustainable initiatives across the globe and highlighting the company’s broader goal of reducing its carbon footprint while supporting greener practices across its operations worldwide.
Similarly, Wole Abu, Managing Director of Equinix West Africa, highlighted the critical role of data centers in driving economic growth. “While Africa’s demand for data solutions is still evolving compared to more mature markets, the continent is demonstrating strong potential for digital adoption and innovation. To meet this growing need, Equinix is actively advancing three major data center projects in Nigeria, with future expansion plans for Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa,” he said.
Equinix’s expansion following the $320 million acquisition of MainOne
In April 2022, the acquisition of MainOne– Nigeria’s most prominent internet connectivity provider with a roll call of major banks and telecoms as clients- by Equinix began. Equinix is known as the world’s largest global data centre and colocation provider, in one of the largest exits in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
According to a release by the American connectivity company, the deal, which has an enterprise value of $320 million, started in the first quarter of 2022. The acquisition process was subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the requisite regulatory approvals.
MainOne, founded in 2010 by Funke Opeke, has 1,200 kilometers of reliable terrestrial fibre networks across southern Nigeria. It also owns and operates a subsea network from Nigeria to Portugal in Europe. The company has digital infrastructure assets, including three operational data centres across West Africa.
With these facilities, the company has enabled connectivity for the business community of Nigeria.
In 2013, Main One began laying a 27-kilometer fibre optic cable to cover the Yaba area of Lagos, known as Nigeria’s Silicon Valley. That led to several startups choosing offices in Yaba, thus midwifing the Nigerian tech ecosystem. MainOne’s fibre investment was instrumental to the growth of startups like Andela, CcHUB, Paga, and Hotels. ng, and Flutterwave.
It is against this backdrop that Equinix believes MainOne to be one of the most exciting technology businesses to emerge from Africa. According to Equinix’s management, buying up MainOne would mark the first step in its long-term strategy to become a leading African carrier-neutral digital infrastructure company.
Still, the acquisition of MainOne marks a critical point of entry for Platform Equinix into the expansive and rapidly growing African market.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
