Airtel Africa has commenced the construction of its inaugural data centre in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a pivotal step in the company’s expansion plans.
Branded as Nxtra by Airtel, this data centre venture aims to create a robust network of high-capacity facilities strategically positioned across major African cities.
By bolstering its infrastructure, Airtel Africa seeks to meet the growing data management requirements of the continent’s flourishing digital economy, reinforcing its commitment to fostering sustainable technological advancement in Africa.
Airtel Africa’s groundbreaking event for its new data centre, located on Lagos’s Victoria Island, was led by both the outgoing Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, and his successor, Sunil Taldar.
The ceremony drew significant attention from notable dignitaries and industry figures, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Additionally, heads of federal and state ministries and parastatals, as well as members of the National and State Assemblies, were in attendance, highlighting the importance of this milestone for both Airtel Africa and the broader Nigerian digital infrastructure landscape.
During the event, Airtel Africa’s Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, emphasized that the Nxtra project represents a crucial milestone in the company’s trajectory.
He highlighted its role as a cornerstone of the organization’s growth strategy, with a specific emphasis on Nigeria, which stands as its largest market.
This underscores Airtel Africa’s commitment to expanding its presence and enhancing its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its customers in Nigeria and across the continent.
Segun Ogunsanya articulated, “We firmly believe that the establishment of NXtra Data Centers will bolster data sovereignty, security, and preservation within the continent.
“This reflects our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a significant hub for accessing digital services, as we propel Africa towards a sustainable and inclusive digital age.”
Ogunsanya also stated that: “This mega project will provide over 1000 jobs. And more significantly, once deployed and at capacity, it will create over 250 permanent jobs for Nigerians whilst supporting companies in the manufacturing, financial services, health care as they move their data and computing into third party data centers like ours.
“Ultimately, we have to store data and content closer to where it is being consumed.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed, “The NXtra Frontier represents more than just the construction of a facility; it signifies the beginning of a new era in data control, security, and preservation across Africa.
“Airtel’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in data management, technological innovation, and expansive network infrastructure is truly admirable. With a total capacity of 180 MW spread across 13 major Data Centers and over 48 Edge Data Centers, NXtra is positioned to revolutionise data storage and accessibility in Africa.”
Impacts of data centers in Nigeria
Data centers can contribute to the Nigeria’s economic activities and GDP growth, considering both the initial capital expenditure during construction and ongoing operational costs.
The information technology infrastructure could play a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s digital economy. As more Nigerians access the internet with smartphones and faster networks, the need for secure and reliable data storage environments with minimal latency increases. These centers attract investments and facilitate the growth of digital services.
Nigeria has the necessary resources for data center establishment, including a large internet-connected population of over 150 million, a significant number of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (over 40 million), and growing broadband penetration (over 45 percent). Additionally, Nigeria’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast of Africa, well-served by undersea cables, allows efficient connectivity to the global landscape.
Data centers create employment opportunities, both during construction and for ongoing operations. These facilities require skilled professionals in areas such as IT, security, maintenance, and management.
With data centers, businesses and organisations can store, process, and disseminate data and applications efficiently. This leads to improved services, reduced latency, and enhanced user experiences for internet services.
Nigeria currently hosts several data centers including, Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Medallion Communications, MainOne Cable Company, Phase3 Telecom, Swift Networks, Rack Centre and more. These data centers are distributed across cities in Nigeria, including, Lagos, Kano, and Enugu. While the existing data centers play a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, there is still plenty of room for growth and expansion as Nigeria is continues to embrace digital transformation.
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