Telecom
MainOne Launches MDX-i, West Africa’s Premier Tier III Data Center
MainOne, Nigeria’s leading provider of innovative telecom services and network solutions for businesses in West Africa, on Thursday announced the opening of its premier Tier III Lekki Data Center to address the growing demand for Colocation, Cloud and Disaster Recovery Services in West Africa.
In addition, MainOne announced that the purpose built facility designed to international TIA 942 standards will be managed under a new subsidiary branded as MDX-i.
During a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the Nigeria’s Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, as well as other notable industry leaders, the facility was declared opened and ready for service for Enterprises & Government in West Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. (Mrs.) Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communications Technology, said that the launch of MDX-I data center facility is a notable accomplishment that complements initiatives required to further drive the realization of the National broadband plan Nigeria.
“Availability of world class Data centers in Nigeria is critical infrastructure required for the implementation of our Broadband initiatives. The accomplishment by MainOne is indeed significant as it provides an outsourcing and cost effective model to further drive ICT adoption.”
Speaking at the launch, Fola Adeola, chairman of MainOne, reiterated the company’s commitment to nurture the growth and impact of the Internet ecosystem through the provision of high-quality infrastructure to power businesses and governments across West Africa.
On her part, Funke Opeke, chief executive officer, MainOne, said, “We are delighted to launch West Africa’s largest and best-connected data center. This reaffirms our capabilities in meeting the needs of business for reliable connectivity and data center services in a dynamic and fast paced global economy”
MDX-i’s Tier III Lekki Data Center is the first of many planned data centers by the company in Nigeria. It is a N7 Billion investment and has capacity for 600 racks. The data center provides Corporate customers with world class Colocation, Cloud and Managed Services and the first set of customers will enjoy services starting from next week.
MainOne is a leading provider of innovative telecom services and network solutions for businesses in West Africa. Our world-class infrastructure enhances the productivity and profitability of our customers online.
Since its launch in 2010, MainOne has developed a reputation for highly reliable services to become the preferred provider of wholesale Connectivity services to major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, large enterprise, and educational institutions in West Africa.
MainOne’s world class submarine cable system running down the coast of West Africa, state of the art IP NGN network, growing regional and metro terrestrial fiber optic networks, and data center facilities enable broadband services for businesses needing solutions in West Africa.
Our network is interconnected and peers with leading operators and internet exchanges worldwide to provide global reach to our customers.
Telecom
WIOCC, Galaxy Backbone Partner to Drive High-Speed Internet Connectivity Across Nigeria
WIOCC, Africa’s Carriers’ Carrier, has partnered with Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), a leading digital infrastructure and shared services provider, in a strategic infrastructure collaboration aimed at enhancing high-speed internet connectivity across the country. This partnership supports digital inclusion and drives Nigeria’s digital transformation.
By combining WIOCC’s extensive wholesale fibre network and expertise with GBB’s national fibre footprint, the collaboration will improve scalability, efficiency and service delivery for businesses and government institutions. It also aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband access to underserved regions and foster partnerships with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to advance Nigeria’s digital economy.
A signing ceremony was held at Galaxy Backbone’s Corporate headquarters in Abuja, with Darren Bedford, Group Chief Development Officer at WIOCC and Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju.
They highlighted the strategic alignment of both organizations in driving digital transformation to accelerate Nigeria’s digital future, setting a benchmark for innovation and connectivity that addresses the evolving needs of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem..
Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju stated, “Our mission is to provide robust digital infrastructure that underpins Nigeria’s digital economy. This partnership with WIOCC is a testament to our commitment to enabling digital inclusion and providing a platform for collaboration that transforms how businesses, governments and communities operate in today’s world.”
Darren Bedford added, “This collaboration with Galaxy Backbone reflects our shared vision for driving digital transformation. Together, we are creating a platform for innovation and economic growth that will benefit the country with world-class connectivity.”
Telecom
Schneider Reiterates Commitment to Accelerate Data Centre Market
Schneider Electric, has reiterated its commitment to accelerate growth in the data centre market across East and West Africa regions that have become vital due to rapid digitalisation and increasing Internet penetration.
Commitment on the company’s drive, End User Sales Director, Anglophone Africa, Schneider Electric, Rohan de Beer, said, the African data centre market is witnessing unprecedented growth, creating a fertile ground for resellers and distributors to enhance their capabilities and foster stronger relationships with local end users.
De Beer explained that previously, Schneider Electric relied solely on external channels for market development, which sometimes led to missed opportunities and increased competition.
He noted that the new dual approach adopted by the firm seeks to address these gaps by enabling closer engagement with end users to influence technology decisions and secure a larger share of the market.
He added, “Crucially, these engagements will still be fulfilled through Schneider Electric’s extensive channel network.This strategy allows us to influence project lifecycles at an earlier stage while maintaining our channel-driven fulfilment model,” explained De Beer. “Our goal isn’t to increase direct business but to expand our market presence and share while empowering partners.”
“In addition to self-paced learning resources, we are hosting instructor-led training sessions across the Anglophone cluster. The first half of the year saw successful training completions in East, West, and Southern Africa, focusing on technical solutions for partners and distributors,” De Beer added.
Telecom
Meta Plans $10Bn Subsea Cable Project to Boost Connectivity
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, reportedly plans to invest over $10 billion in a privately owned subsea cable network spanning more than 40,000 kilometers.
This ambitious project aims to enhance Meta’s control over its vast internet traffic, reduce dependence on telecommunications companies, and mitigate geopolitical risks.
The proposed route is expected to connect the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa, and then from India to the U.S. West Coast through Australia, forming a “W” shape around the globe.
The initiative reflects Meta’s strategic move to secure its infrastructure amid growing geopolitical tensions and concerns about the vulnerability of undersea cable.
According to sources close to the company, the initiative, still in its early phases, would be Meta’s first fully owned and operated subsea cable.
This bold move underscores Meta’s focus on strengthening infrastructure to support its platforms, which generate 10% of fixed and 22% of mobile internet traffic globally, as first reported by TechCrunch.
Sunil Tagare, industry expert, who reported the plans in October, noted that the project’s initial budget of $2 billion will likely increase significantly.
“This is a monumental project in both investment and scale. The shortage of cable-laying ships and resources could lead Meta to build the cable in phases,” Tagare explained.
Although Meta has yet to publicly confirm the plans, an official announcement regarding the route, capacity, and objectives is anticipated in early 2025.
Logistical Hurdles: Meta faces difficulties securing the resources needed for a project of this scale. Cable-laying ships are in limited supply, with tech giants like Google already monopolising contracts with firms such as SubCom.
Tight Market Conditions: Ranulf Scarborough, a submarine cable industry analyst, highlighted the constraints. “The tight market for specialised resources means Meta may need to adopt a phased construction approach, potentially extending the timeline.”
Meta’s infrastructure initiatives are led by Santosh Janardhan, its head of global infrastructure. Reports suggest the project is being developed from its South African operations, indicating the growing significance of emerging markets in Meta’s strategy.
Traditionally dominated by telecom carriers, subsea cable construction has seen a shift as content-driven companies like Meta seek greater control over the infrastructure delivering their services.
If successful, this cable will strengthen Meta’s ability to handle data traffic independently, reduce reliance on shared networks, and unlock opportunities in underserved regions.
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