By Ayomide Otitoju
Equinix, the world’s leading digital infrastructure company, has announced plans to open a new high-performance data center in Lagos, Nigeria — its latest strategic investment in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
The $22 million project, known as LG3, marks the first phase of Equinix’s broader $100 million investment plan aimed at transforming Africa’s digital landscape over the next two years. Scheduled to open in Q1 2026, the facility will provide critical infrastructure to support local businesses and attract global companies seeking to expand into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving tech hub.
The LG3 data center will also integrate Equinix Fabric, enabling enterprises to securely connect their physical and virtual infrastructure to cloud providers, partners, and global networks across Equinix’s 270 data centers worldwide.
“LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s long-term commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide,” said Wole Abu, Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix. “As Lagos emerges at the crossroads of talent, innovation, and global connectivity, this facility is accelerating access to technologies like cloud, AI, and the next wave of startups. We’re not just building data centers; we’re fostering growth, empowering innovation, and laying the groundwork for an interconnected African economy ready to lead on the global stage.”
Olawale Owoeye, Managing Director at Cedarview, described the project as a game-changer for digital businesses across the continent. “Equinix’s Lagos data center 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,” he said.
Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest economy, is home to a dynamic and tech-savvy population. Lagos, recognized among the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems, continues to position itself as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation.
Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President for EMEA Growth and Emerging Markets at Equinix, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Africa’s technological rise. “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 center in Lagos, Equinix is proud to invest in this dynamic region, powering industries from banking and education to emergency services and commerce,” she said.
Since entering Africa in 2022, Equinix has expanded into Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, reinforcing its role in driving the continent’s digital growth. By leveraging Nigeria’s strategic position as a hub for global subsea cable connections, the company aims to strengthen connectivity between Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Equinix also reiterated its commitment to sustainability, noting that LG3 and all its facilities are designed to minimize environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.
