Open Access Data Centres (OADC), a subsidiary of WIOCC Group, has announced a massive $240 million investment to expand its data centre in Lagos. This upgrade will increase the facility’s capacity to 24 megawatts by 2027, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key digital hub in Africa.
Why This Expansion Matters
- The facility will serve as the landing station for Google’s Equiano subsea cable, improving internet connectivity.
- Currently operating at 1.5MW, the centre will scale up in phases, with the first 12MW expected in 18 months.
- Part of a broader $500 million investment plan to develop data infrastructure across Africa.
Commitment to Nigeria’s Digital Growth
OADC’s CEO, Ayotunde Coker, emphasized the company’s dedication to deepening investments in Nigeria and beyond.
“We are building a 24MW data centre, representing a $240 million investment—one of the largest in Africa. Our goal is to create a West African data hub,” Coker stated.
The project is backed by international finance partners, including:
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Proparco (a subsidiary of Agence Française de Développement Group)
This financing is structured as a sustainability-linked debt, meaning OADC’s commitment to energy efficiency and green building certification directly impacts its funding.
Addressing Energy and Sustainability Challenges
A major challenge for hyperscale data centres is securing reliable power. OADC is implementing a multi-faceted energy strategy that includes:
- Dedicated transmission lines from EKDC (Eko Electricity Distribution Company).
- A second transmission link from the HR substation for added redundancy.
- Independent Power Producer (IPP) solutions, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources.
- Renewable energy integration, exploring hydro and solar power options.
“While on-site solar generation is limited, we are exploring power-wheeling solutions to source green energy externally,” Coker added.
Expanding Across Africa
Beyond Nigeria, OADC is growing its footprint across the continent, with data centres in:
- Kinshasa, DRC
- Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, South Africa
With increasing demand for cloud computing, AI workloads, and enterprise connectivity, OADC’s expansion is set to play a crucial role in Africa’s digital transformation.
Final Thoughts
OADC’s expansion positions Nigeria as a leading digital infrastructure hub, creating new opportunities for businesses, tech startups, and service providers. With strong financial backing and a focus on sustainability, this investment will drive faster internet speeds, better cloud services, and a stronger digital economy.
What do you think about this expansion? How will it impact Nigeria’s tech industry? Share your thoughts in the comments!
