Digital Realty, the global leader in colocation, has opened a new data center in Nigeria, strengthening its commitment to Africa as a strategic hub for digital interconnection.
The company announced the opening of LKK2, a data center with nearly 2 MW of IT capacity and approximately 13,000 square feet (1,205 square meters) of technical space, located in Lekki, one of Lagos’s fastest-growing tech districts.
A connected node at Nigeria’s digital core
This new facility integrates into the existing infrastructure ecosystem managed by Digital Realty in Nigeria. LKK2 will connect directly with LKK1, which currently functions as the landing station for the 2Africa submarine cable, one of the most ambitious connectivity projects globally, spearheaded by Meta and international partners to encircle the entire African continent.
Furthermore, the facility will link with LOS1 and LOS2 data centers, both situated on Lagos’s Victoria Island, expanding interconnection capacity for local and international clients.
Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria, described it as: “LKK2 is a significant milestone in our journey to support digital transformation across Africa. Our investment in Nigeria and the region underscores our commitment to providing seamless global connectivity and future-ready infrastructure.”
Nigeria, the new epicenter of African connectivity
Digital Realty’s entry into Nigeria dates back to 2021 when it acquired Medallion Data Centers, in partnership with the African investment firm Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund. Since then, the company has rebranded the facilities under its name and launched an ambitious expansion plan.
Currently, its footprint in Nigeria includes:
- LOS1: 2 MW capacity in a 200 m² space
- LOS2: a second 680 m² data center opened in 2023 on Saka Tinubu Street campus
- LKK1: directly linked to international submarine cables
- And now LKK2, significantly expanding Lagos’s offerings
A growing, competitive market
Lagos has become the key hub for data centers in West Africa. Companies like Equinix (through MainOne), WIOCC with OADC, Kasi Cloud, Airtel, MTN, and Rack Centre are either operating or developing new facilities in the city, drawn by its strategic role as Africa’s digital gateway.
Interconnection via submarine cables, Nigeria’s explosive growth in young, digitally active populations, and rising cloud service demand are attracting billions of dollars in digital infrastructure investments.
Bridging Africa and the world
With this addition, Digital Realty strengthens its strategy of building global interconnection platforms in emerging markets, where the demand for cloud and connectivity services is outpacing existing infrastructure.
Lagos, home to over 20 million residents and undergoing rapid technological transformation, solidifies its position as a crucial hub connecting Africa with Europe, America, and Asia.
FAQs
What capacity does Digital Realty’s new Lagos data center have?
LKK2 offers nearly 2 MW of IT capacity across approximately 1,205 square meters of technical space.
Why is Lagos so important for the data center industry?
Lagos combines a large and growing domestic market, international connections through submarine cables like 2Africa, and an expanding telecom ecosystem, making it a leading digital hub in West Africa.
Who are the main competitors in Nigeria’s data center market?
Key competitors include Equinix (MainOne), WIOCC (OADC), Kasi Cloud, Airtel, MTN, and Rack Centre, all investing in new infrastructure in Lagos.
What is Digital Realty’s strategic goal in Africa?
The company aims to expand its global interconnection network by establishing critical infrastructure in emerging markets like Nigeria to facilitate cloud access, enhance digital resilience, and support technological transformation across the continent.
via: datacenterdynamics