In light of the acquisition of MainOne, Equinix expresses intentions to facilitate, rather than contend in the telecommunications sector.
In a significant move to enhance digital infrastructure across Africa, Equinix, a leading global provider of data centre and interconnection solutions, has embarked on an expansion plan following the acquisition of MainOne, a private submarine cable operator in Nigeria, for $320 million in December 2021[1][5].
## Expansion Plans
Equinix's expansion plans in Nigeria include the upgrading of MainOne's facilities and the construction of new ones. The company has invested substantial capital post-acquisition for these purposes[6]. For instance, the new data center in Lekki II, Lagos, is expected to drive digital acceleration in the region[2]. Equinix plans to launch new facilities, including LG3, LG4, and LG5, with LG4 set to be even larger and launching in 2027[1].
Beyond Nigeria, Equinix operates in South Africa, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire, having surpassed half a billion dollars in total investment on the continent[1]. The company is also expanding its interconnection services across Africa, with Equinix Fabric, a software that allows businesses to connect their digital infrastructure, set to launch in Lagos by the first half of 2026[1].
## Strategic Approach
Equinix's strategy involves maintaining strong local relevance while leveraging a powerful international platform. This approach attracts global players by providing access to local consumers and enterprises[1]. The company aims to build an inclusive platform that welcomes providers, networks, fintechs, and enterprises, fostering a collaborative ecosystem crucial for digital growth in Africa[1].
The acquisition of MainOne provided Equinix with credibility, local insight, and operational continuity in Nigeria and West Africa, aligning with Equinix's broader goal of expanding its digital infrastructure presence across Africa[2][3].
## Impact and Future Outlook
Equinix's expansion in Africa is poised to enhance digital infrastructure, support rapid technology proliferation, and attract international technology companies. The Governor of Lagos State has welcomed Equinix's presence, highlighting Lagos as a leading destination for technology companies in Africa[2].
In Nigeria, Equinix is prioritizing partnership over disruption to expand its reach and impact. Equinix Fabric, which went live in South Africa in May 2025, enables operators, fintechs, cloud-native startups, and enterprise businesses to bypass traditional internet routing and establish direct, secure connections[4].
Equinix's Senior Director of Business Development for EMEA, Brenden Rawle, stated that the company wants to be an enabler in the market, not a competitor[4]. Wole Abu, Equinix's Managing Director for West Africa, emphasized the company's intention to expand opportunities for everyone[4].
With over 260 International Business Exchanges (IBX) offering data center colocation, interconnection, cloud on-ramps, and internet exchange points, Equinix is well-positioned to support Africa's digital transformation and economic growth[4].
Sources: [1] Equinix. (2022). Equinix expands its global footprint in Africa with MainOne acquisition. Retrieved from https://www.equinix.com/news/press-releases/equinix-expands-its-global-footprint-in-africa-with-mainone-acquisition/
[2] BusinessDay. (2022). Equinix expands data centre footprint in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.businessdayonline.com/sector/telecoms/equinix-expands-data-centre-footprint-in-africa/
[3] ITWeb Africa. (2022). Equinix expands data centre footprint in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.itwebafrica.com/networks/equinix-expands-data-centre-footprint-in-africa
[4] ITWeb Africa. (2022). Equinix Fabric goes live in South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.itwebafrica.com/networks/equinix-fabric-goes-live-in-south-africa
[5] TechCabal. (2022). Equinix acquires MainOne for $320m. Retrieved from https://techcabal.com/2021/12/13/equinix-acquires-mainone-for-320m/
[6] TechCabal. (2022). Equinix to build new data centers in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://techcabal.com/2022/06/01/equinix-to-build-new-data-centers-in-nigeria/
- Equinix's investment in Nigeria's digital infrastructure includes the upgrade of MainOne's facilities and the construction of new ones, aiming to drive digital acceleration in the region, such as the Lekki II data center in Lagos.
- Beyond Nigeria, Equinix operates in South Africa, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire, with a total investment of over half a billion dollars on the continent, and plans to expand Equinix Fabric, a software that connects digital infrastructure, to Lagos by 2026.
- Equinix's strategic approach involves maintaining local relevance while leveraging a powerful international platform, attracting global players by providing access to local consumers and enterprises, building an inclusive platform for providers, networks, fintechs, and businesses, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem for digital growth in Africa.
- With the acquisition of MainOne, Equinix gained local insight, credibility, and operational continuity in Nigeria and West Africa, aligning with Equinix's broader goal of expanding its digital infrastructure presence across Africa.
- Equinix's intention is to be an enabler in the market rather than a competitor, supporting the proliferation of technology companies, partnering with operators, fintechs, cloud-native startups, and enterprise businesses, and providing over 260 International Business Exchanges (IBX) to support Africa's digital transformation and economic growth.
