In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, MTN Nigeria has unveiled plans to construct the largest data center in West Africa.
This ambitious project will feature a state-of-the-art, Tier 4 data center with a capacity of 1,500 racks, designed to address the increasing data demands of businesses and consumers across the region.
MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Mohammed Rufai, provided detailed insights into the project during a recent interview. He emphasized the critical necessity of expanding data processing capabilities to keep pace with the significant growth in data usage and the advent of new digital services.
“We are witnessing a substantial increase in market demand, with data usage rising dramatically. To meet this demand and prepare for future growth, we are proactively expanding and modernizing our data center capacity. This ensures we are ready for expansion at the opportune moment,” Rufai stated.
The forthcoming data center is poised to play a crucial role in supporting MTN’s infrastructure while also serving as a vital resource for businesses across Nigeria.
Rufai elaborated, “Businesses that require data center capacity can now bypass the need to maintain their own server rooms. Our facility will offer the necessary space and services, enabling companies to digitalize their operations and enhance efficiency.”
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This development is expected to significantly streamline business operations, allowing companies to focus on growth and innovation rather than managing IT infrastructure.
Moreover, the data center will enhance the delivery of content from major technology companies such as Meta and Google, bringing their content closer to Nigerian users and thereby improving access speeds.
Local hosting of content is anticipated to markedly boost user experience and network efficiency, facilitating a smoother and faster online experience for consumers.
This project is not merely a technological investment; it is also a significant catalyst for economic growth. By providing scalable and adaptable infrastructure, the data center will empower businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to leverage cloud services and other digital solutions.
This infrastructure will drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness across various economic sectors. Rufai underscored MTN’s commitment to fostering partnerships with startups and MSMEs, offering numerous collaboration opportunities, especially in cloud services.
Aligned with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, the data center also demonstrates the company’s dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The facility will eventually incorporate highly efficient cooling systems and a blend of traditional energy sources, including gas and renewable energy, to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
Rufai highlighted the importance of these measures, noting that “up to 60% of the power consumption of a typical data center in our climate is for cooling. Our highly efficient systems will ensure we meet our sustainability targets.”
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As Nigeria’s digital landscape continues to evolve, the new data center represents a significant milestone in this journey. It embodies MTN’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and growth, aiming to foster a connected, modern lifestyle.
This project promises to deliver improved services, substantial economic benefits, and a robust digital infrastructure that will support the country’s future aspirations.