Equinix to launch $22m data center in Lagos, boosting Africa’s digital infrastructure

Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the global digital infrastructure company, has announced plans to open a new high-performance data center in Lagos, Nigeria, with an initial investment of $22 million. The LG3 facility represents the first phase of a broader $100 million investment aimed at transforming Africa’s digital landscape over the next two years.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026, the Lagos data center is expected to strengthen local businesses’ capacity to scale while attracting international companies to the country, cementing Lagos as a strategic hub for global connectivity.

The new facility will integrate Equinix Fabric, allowing businesses to securely connect their physical and virtual infrastructure with cloud providers, partners, and other Equinix locations worldwide.

“LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide,” said Wole Abu, Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix. “As Lagos emerges as a hub of talent, innovation, and connectivity, this facility will accelerate access to technologies like cloud, AI, and the next generation of startups. We’re not just building data centers; we’re fostering growth and laying the groundwork for a connected African economy ready to compete globally.”

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Olawale Owoeye, Managing Director at Cedarview, added, “Equinix’s Lagos data center provides a robust platform for expanding our digital footprint. Its reliability and access to a global ecosystem empower us to deliver high-performance solutions to our customers.”

Nigeria, Africa’s second-largest economy, has a growing tech-savvy population, with Lagos recognized as the only African city in the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems. Equinix entered the African market in 2022 and has since expanded into Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, supporting Africa’s digital transformation through sustainable, carrier-neutral infrastructure.

Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President, EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, emphasized, “Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by a young population, rising internet access, and growing demand for secure data infrastructure. Our new Lagos facility reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s growth and connecting it to the global economy.”

With over 270 data centers worldwide, Equinix continues to leverage Nigeria’s strategic position as an international hub for subsea cable connections, linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and beyond. The company also prioritizes sustainability, ensuring LG3 and all its sites operate efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.