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Equinix Commits $140 Million toward Enhancing Digital Structures in Southern Nigeria

Global data center provider Equinix, known for its acquisition of Nigeria's MainOne, discloses intentions to pour a staggering $140 million into the development of digital infrastructure across southern Nigeria over the next two years. As per a blog post released to TechCabal, this spendings...

Tech giant Equinix to pour $140 million into the digital infrastructure of Southern Nigeria.
Tech giant Equinix to pour $140 million into the digital infrastructure of Southern Nigeria.

Equinix Commits $140 Million toward Enhancing Digital Structures in Southern Nigeria

Equinix, a leading global data center provider, is expanding its footprint in southern Nigeria through its subsidiary MainOne. This expansion comes with a significant $140 million investment in digital infrastructure, aimed at enhancing Nigeria's digital economy.

The heart of this expansion is MainOne's Tier III-certified facility, MDXi, which is directly connected to its subsea cable. This investment forms part of broader efforts to modernize Nigeria's digital infrastructure, contributing to the country's digital growth.

While the specific impact of this investment is yet to be detailed, it is expected to bolster digital infrastructure in the region. This could translate to expanded data center capacity and improved connectivity options, essential for businesses and organizations seeking to leverage modern digital technologies.

Equinix's involvement in Nigeria is part of a larger strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa. By expanding its global footprint, the company aims to enhance local digital capabilities and support regional development and economic growth.

Equinix's commitment to Nigeria is evident in its recent activities. The company has officially entered the West African market following its $320 million acquisition of MainOne in 2022. Moreover, Equinix has been active in Nigeria, as seen in its participation in events like the Nigeria Manufacturing & Trade Outlook 2025.

In Port Harcourt, Equinix plans to launch PR1, its first data center, which will serve as the initial landing station for Meta's 2Africa submarine cable in Nigeria. The launch of PR1 will significantly boost internet capacity in Southern Nigeria, fostering geographic balance in digital infrastructure development.

Additionally, Equinix plans to expand LG3, its third Lagos-based data center, to meet the rising demand for enterprise and cloud services. This expansion will not only enhance local capabilities but also support the broader goals of regional development and economic growth.

To ensure resilience, Equinix is routing traffic over multiple cables in West Africa on an active/active basis. This strategy aims to build a robust and reliable digital infrastructure for the region.

Nigeria's digital transformation journey began with the GSM license auction in 2001 and has since seen foreign investments in the sector. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy recently established a Broadband Alliance aimed at building a national fiber backbone to tackle the issue of underserved inland areas in Nigeria. Equinix and other private sector players are expected to play a central role in realizing the goals of the Broadband Alliance.

In conclusion, Equinix's $140 million investment in digital infrastructure in southern Nigeria is a significant step towards modernizing the country's digital landscape. This investment is expected to support the establishment of a robust digital infrastructure, expand data center capacity, and enhance connectivity options, all crucial for businesses and organizations in the region. Furthermore, Equinix's expansion in Nigeria is part of a larger strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa, contributing to the region's digital economy growth.

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