MTN Nigeria and Dell Technologies have partnered to launch the Dabengwa Data Centre, a move set to revolutionize enterprise IT infrastructure across West Africa with its comprehensive cloud services offering. This strategic collaboration provides computing power, secure storage, and seamless cloud integration, empowering businesses to boost operational efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and accelerate digital transformation within a trusted, locally hosted environment.
This initiative highlights MTN’s evolution beyond a traditional telecommunications provider into a leading technology partner dedicated to delivering innovative digital solutions. The Dabengwa Data Centre underscores MTN’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s digital economy and offering scalable data solutions for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to compete effectively on the global stage.
The Dabengwa Data Centre, West Africa’s largest prefabricated modular data center in Nigeria, utilizes 96 prefabricated containers for its first phase, setting a new benchmark for technological advancement and infrastructure scale in the region. Designed for the future, the data center incorporates AI-driven energy optimization and robust hybrid cloud capabilities, ensuring unparalleled performance and flexibility for its clients. AI algorithms intelligently manage workloads and optimize energy sources, including green energy, to significantly reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, described the MTN Data Centre as a crucial part of Nigeria’s modern digital foundation, providing “world-class reliability, so that we can keep our money local. We don’t have to ship it out in dollars.” He added that such infrastructure truly enables “sovereignty, trust, but also national productivity.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State’s Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, stated that “Investments like this one… offer a platform for our young people to be able to thrive. Enterprise-grade infrastructure on our own soil, giving start-ups, developers, and data creators the ability to build and scale from Nigeria to the world.” She emphasized that the data center’s location gives Lagos State “bragging rights.”
The Nigerian data center market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from 136.7 MW in 2025 to 279.4 MW by 2030, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.37%. This growth is supported by over $630 million in investments by data center operators to expand capacity in Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), represented by Engr. Babagaba Digima, Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security Department, remarked, “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and technological independence. The infrastructure we celebrate here today embodies our collective vision of a digitally empowered Nigeria.” He added that the NCC remains committed to supporting innovation and ensuring high standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and robust internet infrastructure.
Dr. Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman of MTN Nigeria, called it “a significant day for Nigeria,” acknowledging the tireless work behind the project.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, highlighted that the approximately $150 million data center “is a significant leap in the data landscape to meet the increasing demand of Nigerian businesses for solutions that focus on growth and innovation.” He emphasized it represents technological advancements aligned with Nigeria’s federal policy.
Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, announced that the Dabengwa Data Centre and MTN Cloud will launch Nigeria into a new tech era. “A few weeks from now, we’ll launch the MTN Cloud Accelerator for Africa,” she stated, noting it will empower the Nigerian tech ecosystem. The MTN Cloud, built in Africa, is accessible to both local and global businesses, with the accelerator program tailored to support startups with training and resources.
The launch of the Dabengwa Data Centre aligns with Nigeria’s strategic push for digital sovereignty and regulatory compliance. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) encourages cloud service providers to establish local operations, mandating that certain categories of sensitive data, including health, financial, and government data, must be hosted within Nigeria. By providing a world-class, locally hosted environment, the Dabengwa Data Centre enables international cloud service providers to meet these critical regulatory requirements, fostering greater trust and security in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and attracting further investment.