Equinix announced expanding into Africa by acquiring MainOne, a major West African data centre and connectivity solutions provider with locations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, pending the fulfillment of standard closing conditions, including regulatory clearances.
Charles Meyers, President and CEO, Equinix: “The acquisition of MainOne will represent a critical point of entry for Platform Equinix into the expansive and rapidly growing African market. MainOne’s leading interconnection position and experienced management team represent.”
He added, “critical assets in our aspirations to be the leading neutral provider of digital infrastructure in Africa. Growth of data consumption in Africa is amongst the fastest in the world, and our customers are looking for a trusted partner to pursue the opportunities presented by broad mobile adoption and greater connectivity across the region. MainOne’s infrastructure, customer relationships, partner ecosystem and operating capability will extend the reach of Platform Equinix and bolster opportunities for customers in Africa and throughout the world.”
The transaction has a total value of $320 USD. Mandis is expected to be AFFO accretive upon close, excluding integration costs, and is the first step in Equinix’s long-term strategy to become Africa’s premier carrier neutral digital infrastructure firm. Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, is Africa’s largest economy and, along with Ghana, has established itself as a data centre powerhouse. Equinix will be able to enter the continent through this acquisition.
MainOne is one of the most intriguing technological companies to come from Africa, according to Equinix. Founded in 2010 by Funke Opeke, the company has provided connection for Nigeria’s business community and presently has digital infrastructure assets, including three operational data centres and one under development that will open in Q1 2022. These facilities will contribute more than 64,000 gross square feet to Platform Equinix® upon completion, with 570,000 square feet of land available for future expansions. MainOne owns and manages a subsea network that runs from Nigeria to Portugal, as well as a 1,200-kilometer terrestrial fibre network that runs through southern Nigeria. All of this is enhancing connectivity to and from Europe, West African countries, and Nigeria’s key commercial communities. When complete, this acquisition will expand Platform Equinix’s reach into West Africa, providing enterprises headquartered both within and outside of Africa with access to one of the world’s fastest expanding marketplaces.
The management team, including CEO Funke Opeke, will continue to serve in their current positions under the terms of the agreement. Opeke graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in engineering and was named one of Forbes’ World’s Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018 for her work in promoting internet adoption. Data Centre Magazine just named her one of the Top 10 Women to Watch in the Data Center Industry.
