Equinix has revealed yesterday its intention to expand into Africa by acquiring African data center and connectivity solutions provider MainOne. The acquisition is valued at $320m and is expected to close in Q1 2022.
By acquiring MainOne, Equinix would gain a strong foothold in Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire where MainOne has already built data centers. The Nigeria-based company currently has three operational data centers in West Africa, with an additional facility in Ghana currently under construction. MainOne also owns and operates an extensive submarine network extending 7,000 kilometers from Nigeria to Portugal, as well as 1,200 kilometers of reliable terrestrial fiber network across southern Nigeria.
The American company sees the move as its first step towards its long-term strategy of becoming a leading African carrier neutral digital infrastructure company. Under the terms of the transaction, MainOne’s management team, including CEO Funke Opeke, will continue to serve in their respective roles.