Global digital infrastructure leader Equinix, Inc. has announced plans to open a new high-performance data center in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a $22 million investment in its LG3 facility. This project represents the first phase of Equinix’s ambitious $100 million plan to transform Africa’s digital landscape over the next two years.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026, the LG3 data center will provide vital infrastructure to empower local businesses, attract international companies, and strengthen Lagos’ position as a strategic hub for global connectivity.

Equinix Fabric to Enhance Connectivity

The LG3 facility will also integrate Equinix Fabric, enabling businesses to securely connect physical and virtual infrastructure to cloud service providers, partners, and other Equinix locations worldwide. This connectivity is expected to support the growth of startups and accelerate adoption of technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

Wole Abu, Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix, said:

“LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s long-term commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide. We’re not just building data centers, we’re fostering growth, empowering innovation, and laying the groundwork for an interconnected African economy ready to lead on the global stage.”

Industry Leaders Welcome the Development

Olawale Owoeye, Managing Director at Cedarview, praised the new data center for providing a robust and resilient platform for expanding businesses in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

“Equinix’s Lagos data center will give our customers the unparalleled reliability and global connectivity they need to deliver high-performance solutions. LG3 is a key step in keeping African businesses at the forefront of digital innovation,” Owoeye said.

Lagos at the Center of Africa’s Digital Transformation

Nigeria, Africa’s second-largest economy, boasts a tech-savvy population and a rapidly growing digital market. Lagos, in particular, is recognized as the only African city among the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems, making it an ideal location for Equinix’s expansion.

Aslıhan Güreşcier, Vice President of EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, noted:

“Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by rising internet access, a young population, and increasing demand for secure data infrastructure. Our newest data center in Lagos demonstrates Equinix’s commitment to supporting growth across banking, education, emergency services, and commerce.”

Equinix’s Expanding Footprint in Africa

Since entering the African market in 2022, Equinix has expanded operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, and last year opened its first data center in Johannesburg, South Africa. With over 270 data centers globally, Equinix continues to deliver sustainable, carrier-neutral infrastructure that links Africa to the global economy, leveraging Nigeria’s strategic position as a hub for subsea cable connections.

The company also emphasizes sustainability across all operations, including the new LG3 facility, prioritizing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.