Funke Opeke steps down as CEO of MainOne after 14 years, following its $320 million acquisition by Equinix. Equinix, now expanding in West Africa, has opened new data centers in Nigeria and introduced “MainOne, Solutions by Equinix” to drive digital transformation in the region.
As part of its strategy, Equinix has appointed Wole Abu as Managing Director for West Africa, entrusting him with overseeing operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. With more than 20 years in telecommunications, Abu’s role is integral to Equinix’s goal of closing Africa’s digital divide and growing its footprint across the continent. Judith Gardiner, Equinix’s Vice President, highlighted Abu’s experience and leadership, noting his importance to the company’s mission of connecting Africa’s digital ecosystem to global networks.
Equinix’s acquisition of MainOne marks a milestone for the region’s tech landscape. Under Funke Opeke’s leadership, MainOne became a key provider of internet connectivity and infrastructure in West Africa, helping to transform the region’s digital environment. Her career, including previous roles as Chief Technical Officer at MTN Nigeria and leadership at Verizon Communications, led to her founding MainOne in 2010 with the vision of enhancing internet access across West Africa. The company’s submarine cable, connecting the region to Europe, has played a vital role in advancing digital inclusion and high-speed broadband availability.
Now, Equinix is poised to build on Opeke’s legacy. With over 240 data centers in 66 cities across 27 countries, Equinix aims to support Africa’s expanding digital economy. Its investment in data center infrastructure throughout key Nigerian cities like Victoria Island, Lekki, and Port Harcourt, as well as its strategic partnerships, signal a commitment to empowering Africa’s digital transformation and positioning the continent within the global digital economy.