In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, MTN Nigeria has commenced the construction of West Africa’s largest data centre. The new facility, a 1,500-rack, Tier IV data centre, aims to address the increasing data demands and digital needs of businesses and consumers nationwide.
MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Mohammed Rufai, detailed the project in a recent interview, emphasizing the urgent need for expanded data processing capabilities driven by substantial growth in data usage and the rise of 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. This is to ensure we are ready for expansion at the right time,” Rufai said.
The new data centre is anticipated to support MTN’s infrastructure and serve as a crucial resource for businesses across Nigeria. Rufai explained that businesses requiring data centre capacity can now avoid the costs of maintaining their server rooms. “Our facility will provide the space and services needed, enabling companies to digitalize their operations and improve efficiency.”
Additionally, the data centre will enhance content delivery from major tech companies like Meta and Google, bringing content closer to Nigerian users and improving access speeds. The local hosting of content is expected to significantly boost user experience and network efficiency.
The project is not only a technological investment but also a catalyst for economic growth. By providing scalable and adaptable infrastructure, it will enable businesses, particularly MSMEs, to leverage cloud services and other digital solutions. This, in turn, will drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness across various sectors of the economy, Rufai noted.
He emphasized MTN’s readiness to partner with startups and MSMEs, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration, particularly in cloud services.
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 eventually utilize efficient cooling systems and a combination of traditional energy sources, gas, and renewable energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
