Airtel Africa has broken ground on its inaugural data center in Lagos, Nigeria, signaling a significant milestone for the telecommunications and mobile money service provider.
The Nxtra by Airtel project, slated to become one of the largest data center networks in Africa, underscores the company’s dedication to meeting the continent’s burgeoning data management needs.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, graced by esteemed dignitaries and industry leaders, Airtel Africa’s outgoing Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, said, adding that, “The establishment of NXtra Data Centers will enhance data sovereignty, security, and preservation within the continent.”
Ogunsanya emphasized the project’s role in positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital services, propelling Africa toward a sustainable and inclusive digital age.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hailed the initiative as a harbinger of a new era in data control, security, and preservation throughout Africa.
He commended Airtel’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in data management and technological innovation, foreseeing a transformative impact on data storage and accessibility on the continent.
Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, lauded the prospects for economic growth fueled by connectivity and technology advancements.
“Data is a key driver in our economy,” Tijani affirmed, underscoring the pivotal role of data centers like Nxtra in shaping Africa’s digital future.
The Nxtra by Airtel data center in Lagos is poised to deliver 38 megawatts of total power, integrating high-density racks and cutting-edge construction practices to achieve optimal efficiency.
Scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2026, the facility represents the first of five hyperscale data centers planned by Airtel Africa across the continent.
This strategic initiative aims to bolster data sovereignty, enhance access to digital services, and foster innovation, positioning Airtel Africa as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation journey.