U.S.-based digital infrastructure giant Equinix has unveiled plans to establish a new $22 million data center in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a major milestone in its African expansion strategy. The facility, named LG3, is expected to go live in the first quarter of 2026, catering to the surging digital infrastructure needs of businesses driving Nigeria’s and Africa’s digital transformation.
“As Lagos places itself at the intersection of talent, innovation, and connectivity, LG3 will strengthen access to technologies like cloud computing, AI, and next-generation startups,” said Wole Abu, Managing Director for Equinix West Africa. “We’re not just constructing data centers; we’re enabling ecosystems fueling innovation, economic empowerment, and continental interconnectivity.”
Part of a $100 Million Africa Expansion Drive
The Lagos project is the cornerstone of Equinix’s $100 million African investment program, set to unfold over the next two years. This initiative aligns with the company’s $390 million global infrastructure expansion plan announced earlier in 2024.
Equinix made its entry into Africa in April 2022 through the $320 million acquisition of MainOne, one of West Africa’s leading connectivity and data solutions providers. Since then, the company has deepened its presence across the region, establishing operations in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa where it commissioned its first African data center in October 2024.
Africa’s Rising Data Infrastructure Demand
Equinix’s investment arrives at a critical moment for Africa’s digital economy. Despite rapid adoption of cloud services and mobile technologies, the continent still represents less than 2% of global colocation capacity, with more than half of that based in South Africa.
According to Oxford Business Group’s 2024 “Data Centres in Africa” report, the continent requires roughly 1,000 MW of capacity and 700 new facilities to meet future demand. Similarly, Mordor Intelligence projects that the African data center market will surge from $1.94 billion in 2025 to $3.85 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.7%.
By investing in Lagos a fast-rising digital hub with a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem Equinix aims to bridge infrastructure gaps and position West Africa as a strategic node in the global digital network. LG3’s launch will not only enhance data capacity but also accelerate the adoption of cloud computing, fintech innovation, and AI-based solutions across the continent.
Read more about Data Centres here
