On July 1, 2025, MTN Nigeria proudly unveiled the Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre in Ikeja, Lagos—named in tribute to the late Sifiso Dabengwa, former MTN Group CEO. This groundbreaking facility is West Africa’s largest prefabricated modular data centre and marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
Cutting-Edge Infrastructure
Phase 1 of the data centre features a robust 4.5MW IT load, with 780 to 1,500 racks housed across 96 prefabricated modular containers spread over three floors. This phase was developed at an investment of approximately $100–$120 million, alongside $20 million dedicated to cloud services. Plans for Phase 2 include an ambitious expansion to 9–20MW capacity, aiming for Tier IV certification—the highest global standard for uptime and reliability.
Empowering Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Designed to reduce reliance on foreign cloud providers such as AWS and Microsoft Azure, the facility offers local hosting priced in naira, helping Nigerian businesses cut costs and avoid foreign exchange challenges. It fully complies with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, ensuring data sovereignty and security.
The data centre supports a wide range of users—from startups and enterprises to government agencies—enabling enhanced cloud computing, AI development, fintech innovation, and e-government services. This initiative strongly aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy to evolve into a technology-driven company, focused on connectivity, infrastructure, and digital platforms.
A Legacy Honored, A Future Inspired
Named after Sifiso Dabengwa, who led MTN Group from 2004 to 2011 and left a lasting legacy in African telecommunications, the centre symbolizes growth and opportunity. His widow, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa—CEO of Naspers South Africa and a leading advocate of Africa’s digital transformation—shares a powerful connection to this project, underscoring its significance for the continent’s tech future.
Key Participants and National Impact
The launch was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Lagos State officials, and MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola. The facility is poised to support President Bola Tinubu’s digital economy agenda by boosting productivity, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
