Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 60 | Page 42

COUNTRY FOCUS : NIGERIA
Equinix , one of the leading digital infrastructure companies , recently announced it was acquiring MainOne , a West African data centre and connectivity solutions provider , with presence in Nigeria , Ghana and Côte d ’ Ivoire . According to Equinix , the expansion aims to enable organisations to accelerate Digital Transformation throughout Africa .

Equinix to expand into Afric acquisition of MainOne

A cityscape of Lagos Island , Nigeria , at sunset

Equinix Inc , a global digital infrastructure company , has announced its expansion into Africa through its intended acquisition of MainOne , a West African data centre and connectivity solutions provider , with presence in Nigeria , Ghana and Côte d ’ Ivoire . The acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2022 , subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions including the requisite regulatory approvals .

The transaction has an enterprise value of US $ 320 million and is expected to be AFFO accretive upon close , excluding integration costs , marking the first step in Equinix ’ s long-term strategy to become a leading African carrier neutral digital infrastructure company . With more than 200 million people , Nigeria is Africa ’ s largest economy and along with Ghana , has become an established data centre hub . This makes the acquisition a pivotal entry point for Equinix into the continent .
Equinix believes MainOne to be one of the most exciting technology businesses to emerge from Africa . Founded by Funke Opeke in 2010 , the company has enabled connectivity for the business community of Nigeria and now has digital infrastructure assets including three operational data centres , with an additional facility under construction expected to open in Q1 , 2022 . Upon closing , these facilities will add more than 64,000 gross square feet of space to Platform Equinix , with 570,000 square feet of land for future expansions . MainOne owns and operates a subsea network from Nigeria to Portugal , as well as 1,200 kilometres of reliable terrestrial fibre network across southern Nigeria . These are all improving connectivity to and from Europe , West African countries and the major business communities in Nigeria . When completed , this acquisition will extend Platform Equinix into West Africa , giving organisations based inside and outside of Africa access to one of the world ’ s fastest growing markets .
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