MTN, Africa's largest telecom provider, has announced the launch of a $240 million data centre in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The facility, named after the late MTN Group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa, is Nigeria's largest pre-fabricated modular data centre, with 96 containerised modules and 1,500 racks.
The data center's power and cooling systems are totally modular and distributed across three floors, assuring efficiency and reliability, said the company.
MTN stated that the 9MW data centre will be built in two parts, with the first phase, a 4.5MW Tier 3 facility worth $120 million, set to open today, July 1, 2025.
This initial phase incorporates advanced cloud infrastructure, establishing the centre as a key hub for data storage, processing, and management.
The facility will also localise data hosting, reducing potential risks such massive internet disruptions caused by underwater cable failure in early 2024.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, highlighted the centre's importance in improving artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions.
He went on to say: “This investment underscores our commitment to Nigeria’s digital future. By providing scalable, secure, and affordable data solutions, we are empowering businesses to thrive in a digital-first economy.”
He also emphasised that the facility's pay-as-you-use model, with services priced in naira, is a crucial advantage for companies looking to cut expenses and avoid foreign exchange challenges.
Lynda Saint-Nwafor, MTN Nigeria, chief enterprise business officer, indicated that Phase 1 required a $100 million investment in infrastructure, with an extra $20 million set aside for cloud integration.
She stated that the centre's competitive price provides a cost-effective alternative to major hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, making advanced computing more affordable for Nigerian businesses.
According to MTN, the facility meets critical standards for data sovereignty and security, and by keeping sensitive data within Nigeria, organisations can comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act while also reducing their vulnerability to cyber threats.
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