MTN Nigeria Launches West Africa’s Largest Data Centre in Lagos

MTN Nigeria has launched West Africa’s largest data centre, the Dabengwa Data and Cloud Centre, in Lagos. The $150 million tier-3 facility is designed to serve a wide range of clients, from startups and software engineers to content creators and large organizations, including banks, oil companies, and government agencies. The Abia State government and Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, have become the first clients of this state-of-the-art facility.

The data centre, named after Mr. Sifiso Debengua, a former Group Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, is expected to boost Nigeria’s digital economy by meeting the increasing demands of Nigerians and fostering growth and innovation. The centre has a 4.5 megawatt power capacity, with the potential to increase it to 14 megawatts over the next 24 months. This capacity is comparable to global hyperscale providers, eliminating the need for Nigerian businesses to rely on foreign platforms.

During the launch, Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, emphasized that the project is designed to propel data usage, bring content closer to Nigerian users, and improve access speed. He noted that the data centre will provide the highest levels of reliability, ability, and security, transforming the technology ecosystem in Nigeria. The centre will also support Nigeria’s preparedness for artificial intelligence-driven technologies.

Toriola further explained that the data centre will cater to larger organizations, including banks, oil companies, and government agencies. He highlighted that the centre will ensure data sovereignty, keeping Nigeria’s critical data within the nation’s borders and protecting businesses from geopolitical risks. This will also help organizations comply with regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Ayham Moussa, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), explained the significance of the cloud centre as a transformative item for the ecosystem. He noted that it will facilitate innovation and create opportunities for small startups to scale fast. The project is expected to help Nigerian companies stay competitive in an increasingly connected world, enabling them to thrive and stay up to date with industry advancements.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, appreciated MTN for its consistent commitment to building infrastructure to support Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted that the data centre aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mission to grow a $1 trillion economy that powers enterprise in all innovation. The Minister also mentioned that the facility connects directly to the 90,000 fibre optic cable project to connect over 30 million Nigerians who are currently offline, offering a platform for young people to thrive and startups to scale globally.

In summary, the launch of the Dabengwa Data and Cloud Centre by MTN Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. The facility is expected to boost Nigeria’s digital economy, support innovation, and ensure data sovereignty, positioning Nigeria as the digital backbone of West Africa. The centre’s advanced capabilities and strategic location in Lagos make it a key player in the region’s technology ecosystem, with the potential to drive growth and competitiveness for Nigerian businesses.