MTN, the largest telecommunications provider in Africa, has unveiled plans for a US$240 million data centre in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. The facility, named in honour of the late Sifiso Dabengwa, former CEO of MTN Group, will stand as Nigeria’s largest pre-fabricated modular data centre, featuring 96 containerised modules and 1,500 racks.
The company emphasised that the data centre’s power and cooling systems are fully modular and distributed across three floors, enhancing both efficiency and reliability. MTN announced that the 9MW data centre would be developed in two phases, with the first phase being a 4.5MW Tier 3 facility valued at US$120 million, scheduled to open on July 1, 2025.
This initial phase will integrate advanced cloud infrastructure, positioning the centre as an essential hub for data storage, processing, and management. Additionally, it aims to localise data hosting, mitigating risks associated with significant internet disruptions, such as those caused by underwater cable failures seen in early 2024.
Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, emphasised the importance of this centre in advancing artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. He stated, “This investment underscores our commitment to Nigeria’s digital future. By offering scalable, secure, and affordable data solutions, we empower businesses to thrive in a digital-first economy.”
Toriola also highlighted the centre’s pay-as-you-use model, with services priced in naira, as a significant benefit for companies aiming to reduce costs and navigate foreign exchange challenges.
Lynda Saint-Nwafor, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, noted that the first phase required a US$100 million investment in infrastructure, with an additional US$20 million allocated for cloud integration. She pointed out that the centre’s competitive pricing provides a viable alternative to major hyperscalers, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, making advanced computing more accessible to Nigerian businesses.
MTN further confirmed that the facility complies with the essential standards for data sovereignty and security. By keeping sensitive data within Nigeria, organisations can comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and enhance their resilience against cyber threats.
