MTN Nigeria has launched the Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre, the largest Tier III data facility in West Africa and one of the biggest on the African continent, signaling a significant step forward for the region’s digital infrastructure and technological autonomy.
The new facility boasts a 9-megawatt capacity, with the first phase already delivering 4.5 megawatts. Designed to meet the growing demand for enterprise-grade cloud services, the centre aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on global providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, by offering locally hosted, high-quality cloud solutions.
“It’s a representation of technological investment that doubles up as a bold statement of our steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s digital future, in line with the direction and policy of Dr Bosun Tijani, in digitizing the economy both in terms of driving economic activities and driving skills in the country,” said Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria.
Local Cloud Services with Global Capabilities
A standout feature of the facility is its self-orchestration capability, allowing businesses greater control over their cloud environments, an innovation MTN describes as a first in Nigeria. This is expected to attract startups and enterprises looking for local solutions that offer comparable flexibility and performance to international platforms.
Importantly, all services will be priced in Naira, a move that MTN believes will help businesses avoid foreign exchange volatility and simplify cost structures. This local pricing model is expected to make advanced digital infrastructure more accessible, especially for small and medium enterprises.
Strategic Investment in Nigeria’s Digital Future
The launch comes as part of MTN’s broader commitment to support Nigeria’s digital economy, aligning with national strategies for digital transformation and innovation.
Beyond addressing current market needs, the data centre is positioned to support the growing demand for artificial intelligence tools and platforms, with infrastructure that ensures lower latency, faster data access, and high-capacity computing, all housed within the country’s borders.
MTN views the Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre not just as a technology facility, but as a foundation for building a self-reliant, innovation-driven digital ecosystem in Nigeria and across West Africa. The project is expected to contribute significantly to job creation, digital upskilling, and enterprise innovation in the region.
