Table of Contents
Key Points
- Funke Opeke steps down as CEO of MainOne after 14 years, following the company’s $320 million acquisition by Equinix.
- Equinix expands its presence in West Africa with new data centers in Nigeria and launches “MainOne, Solutions by Equinix” to support digital transformation.
- Equinix appoints Wole Abu as Managing Director for West Africa, enhancing its strategy to bridge the digital divide and expand its presence across the continent.
Funke Opeke, the founder and outgoing CEO of MainOne, has stepped down from her leadership role at the Nigerian internet connectivity company after 14 years at the helm. Her departure follows the completion of MainOne's acquisition by global data center leader Equinix for $320 million, marking a major milestone in the company’s history.
Under Opeke, MainOne played a crucial role in transforming West Africa’s digital landscape, providing vital internet connectivity and infrastructure across the region. Her leadership helped establish the company as a cornerstone of Africa’s growing tech ecosystem, culminating in the successful integration with Equinix.
Equinix's expanding footprint in West Africa
Equinix’s acquisition of MainOne signals its commitment to expanding its presence in Africa. The integration strengthens Equinix’s position in West Africa as it continues to build out its data center infrastructure. New centers are planned in key Nigerian cities, including Victoria Island, Lekki, and Port Harcourt, to address the surging demand for scalable and secure data solutions across industries like finance, media, and government.
In an effort to streamline operations and enhance service offerings, Equinix has launched “MainOne, Solutions by Equinix,” a new initiative combining MainOne’s operational expertise with Equinix’s global infrastructure. This initiative aims to bolster the digital transformation of Africa’s diverse markets by leveraging the region's emerging technologies and data needs.
Equinix’s strategic push in Africa
Equinix has also appointed Wole Abu as Managing Director for West Africa, a role that places him in charge of operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. Abu, with over 20 years of telecom experience, previously held leadership roles at Liquid Intelligent Technologies. His appointment is central to Equinix’s strategy to bridge the digital divide in Africa, aiming to create a seamless connection between African nations and the global digital economy.
Judith Gardiner, Equinix's Vice President, praised Abu’s leadership and expertise, emphasizing his pivotal role in advancing Equinix’s growth across the continent. Under Abu’s guidance, Equinix will focus on improving connectivity and fostering strategic partnerships, essential to the company's vision of connecting Africa’s digital ecosystem to global networks.
Equinix builds on Funke Opeke’s vision
Funke Opeke’s career, which includes her previous roles as Chief Technical Officer at MTN Nigeria and leadership positions at Verizon Communications, has left a lasting legacy in West Africa. She founded MainOne in 2010, to improve internet connectivity across the region. The company’s submarine cable, connecting West Africa to Europe, became a key enabler of high-speed broadband access, contributing significantly to the region's digital inclusion.
As Equinix builds upon Funke Opeke’s legacy at MainOne, it aims to further accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. With over 240 data centers in 66 cities across 27 countries, Equinix is poised to support the region’s expanding digital economy. The company’s focus on expanding its infrastructure across the continent reflects its commitment to unlocking Africa’s potential and positioning it as a key player in the global digital landscape.
