Equinix invests USD $22 million in Lagos data centre for Africa

Equinix has announced plans to build a USD $22 million data centre in Lagos, Nigeria, marking its first purpose-built facility in West Africa. The move is part of a wider USD $100 million investment to improve digital infrastructure across Africa over the coming years.

Infrastructure expansion

The new facility, named LG3, is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2026. It will be integrated with Equinix Fabric, the company's interconnection service that links data centres to cloud providers and partners worldwide. This integration enables secure connections between local, regional, and international businesses, supporting the expansion of Nigeria's digital economy.

Equinix's latest move forms part of an ongoing expansion across Africa. The company has developed its presence in key markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire in recent years. Last year, it opened its first data centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, to strengthen its position on the continent.

Lagos hub

Nigeria is the second-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Lagos regarded as a focal point for technology-led growth on the continent. The city is recognised as Africa's only entry among the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems. Local businesses are increasingly adopting digital solutions to scale their operations and attract international partnerships.

Equinix's Managing Director for West Africa, Wole Abu, said the Lagos development is designed to address the region's growing demand for robust digital infrastructure.

"LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix's long-term commitment to bridging Africa's digital divide. 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," said Abu, Managing Director for West Africa, Equinix.

Customer support

Local technology companies are expected to gain access to a wider digital ecosystem through the forthcoming centre. The LG3 facility aims to provide a resilient platform for enterprises to expand services, improve reliability and meet business needs across Nigeria and the wider region.

Olawale Owoeye, Managing Director at Cedarview, said: "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 to our customers and the new LG3 data center in Lagos is key step in ensuring we remain at the forefront of businesses connecting Africa."

Regional context

The company noted that Lagos's position as an international hub for subsea cable connections is a significant advantage. These connections link the city to Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa, making it a strategic location for global connectivity.

Equinix has targeted sustainable and energy-efficient operations as part of its investment. The company says it works to reduce environmental impact at all its sites, including the new LG3 centre.

Market opportunities

Rapid growth in internet access and cloud adoption in Africa has created demand for secure and adaptable data infrastructure. Equinix aims to meet these requirements, supporting businesses across multiple sectors such as banking, education, and commerce.

Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President for EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, stated: "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, supporting our customers' growth with world-class data centres that power everything from banking and education to emergency services and commerce."

Equinix currently operates over 270 data centres globally, and aims to deliver carrier-neutral infrastructure for global clientele from its facilities in Africa.