Equinix plans $22m Lagos data centre

Equinix, Inc., a global leader in digital infrastructure, on Monday said it plans to open a $22m high-performance data centre in Lagos, signalling the first phase of a $100m investment drive across Africa over the next two years.

The Lagos facility, known as LG3, is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2026. It aims to provide local firms with modern digital infrastructure while attracting international companies to the city, a growing hub for global connectivity in West Africa.

LG3 will incorporate Equinix Fabric, a platform that allows seamless and secure interconnection between on-premises and cloud services, as well as access to other Equinix sites worldwide. The move positions Equinix to capitalise on rising demand for cloud services and data localisation in Africa, where digital economies are expanding rapidly.

“LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s long-term commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide,” Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix, Wole Abu, said in a statement.

As Lagos emerges at the crossroads of talent, innovation, and global connectivity, the infrastructure provider believes the facility is accelerating access to technologies such as cloud computing, AI, and the next wave of start-ups.

“We’re not just building data centres; we’re fostering growth, empowering innovation, and laying the groundwork for an interconnected African economy ready to lead on the global stage,” the executive said.

Managing Director at Cedarview, Olawale Owoeye, added, “Equinix’s Lagos data centre will provide us with the robust and resilient platform our customers demand to expand our digital footprint.

“The unparalleled reliability and access to a global ecosystem empower us to deliver high-performance solutions to our customers, and the new LG3 data centre in Lagos is a key step in ensuring we remain at the forefront of businesses connecting Africa,” he said.

Nigeria is the second-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is home to a vibrant and increasingly tech-savvy population. Lagos, in particular, is at the epicentre of Africa’s digital transformation, recognised as the only African city in the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems.

Commenting on the opportunity for Equinix in Africa, Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President, EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, said, “Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by a young population, rising internet access, and increasing demand for secure data infrastructure.

“With the opening of our newest data centre in Lagos, Equinix is proud to invest in this dynamic region, supporting our customers’ growth with world-class data centres that power everything from banking and education to emergency services and commerce.”

Since entering the African market in 2022, Equinix has expanded its presence in key African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Last year, the company also opened its first data centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, significantly strengthening Equinix’s global presence on the continent and accelerating Africa’s digital transformation by delivering sustainable, carrier-neutral infrastructure that reliably connects it with the rest of the global economy.

With a footprint spanning over 270 data centres worldwide, Equinix continues to bring its global expertise and infrastructure to the region. This includes harnessing Nigeria’s strategic position as an international hub for global subsea cable connections, linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and beyond.