MTN Nigeria to Build Largest Data Centre in West Africa to Meet Growing Digital Demands 

MTN Nigeria has announced plans to construct the largest data centre in West Africa, a significant step towards enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure. The 1,500-rack, Tier 4 data centre aims to meet the increasing data demands of businesses and consumers across Nigeria.

MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Mohammed Rufai, highlighted the critical need for expanded data processing capabilities due to significant growth in data usage and new services. “We see a high demand in the market, with data usage growing significantly. To cater to this demand and prepare for future growth, we are expanding and modernizing our data centre capacity now,” Rufai explained.

This new facility will support MTN’s infrastructure and serve as a vital resource for businesses in Nigeria. It will enable companies to digitalize their operations and improve efficiency by providing the necessary space and services, eliminating the need for them to maintain their own server rooms.

The data centre will also enhance content delivery from major tech companies like Meta and Google, bringing content closer to Nigerian users and improving access speeds. This local hosting of content is expected to significantly boost user experience and network efficiency.

Beyond its technological impact, the data centre is seen as a catalyst for economic growth. By offering scalable and adaptable infrastructure, it will enable businesses, particularly MSMEs, to leverage cloud services and other digital solutions, driving innovation and competitiveness across various sectors.

Aligned with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, the data centre underscores the company’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The facility will utilize efficient cooling systems and a combination of traditional, gas, and renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint. Rufai emphasized the importance of these measures, noting that efficient systems are crucial for meeting sustainability targets.

As Nigeria’s digital landscape evolves, this new data centre represents a significant milestone, fostering innovation, economic benefits, and a robust digital infrastructure for the future.