In a decisive move that underscores Africa’s rising status in the global digital economy, Equinix has announced a landmark $22 million initial investment to launch a high-performance data center in Lagos, Nigeria. This “LG3” facility is the first phase of a comprehensive $100 million strategy to anchor the continent’s digital infrastructure over the next two years.
Scheduled for a Q1 2026 launch, the LG3 data center is positioned as more than just a storage facility; it is designed to be the critical infrastructure required to fuel Nigeria’s—and by extension, West Africa’s—burgeoning tech ecosystem. Lagos, identified as the only African city in the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems, is now being equipped with the world-class digital backbone to match its innovative ambition.
“We are not just building data centers; we are laying the groundwork for an interconnected African economy ready to lead on the global stage,” said Wole Abu, Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix. He positioned LG3 as a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide, accelerating local access to cloud and AI technologies, and providing a springboard for the next wave of African startups.
A key feature of the new center is the integration of Equinix Fabric, a sophisticated software-defined interconnection service. This will allow Nigerian businesses to securely and dynamically connect their infrastructure to cloud providers and partners across Equinix’s global platform, effectively placing Lagos on the map of major international digital hubs.
The strategic importance was echoed by local partners. Olawale Owoeye of Cedarview stated that the “unparalleled reliability” of the Equinix platform empowers businesses to expand their digital footprint and deliver high-performance solutions, ensuring they “remain at the forefront of connecting Africa.”
This investment marks a significant escalation of Equinix’s commitment to the continent since its 2022 entry, following expansions in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa. Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President for EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets, cited Africa’s young population, rising internet access, and surging demand for secure data as key drivers. The Lagos facility is poised to become the core infrastructure powering critical sectors from banking and education to commerce across the region.
In line with its global standards, Equinix has committed to operating the LG3 center with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, ensuring that this foundational piece of Africa’s digital future is both resilient and responsible.
