By Martin Ekpeke
Less than a month after launching its third data center, known as LKK2, in Lagos, Digital Realty Nigeria, a leading provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, was honoured with the prestigious Data Center Provider of the Year award at the 10th African Digital Economy Awards in Nairobi, Kenya, last week.
This recognition underscores Digital Realty’s rapid growth and significant contributions to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, solidifying its position as a key player in the continent’s evolving tech landscape. The timing of the award, so soon after a major expansion, speaks volumes about the company’s momentum and the market’s positive reception of its advanced facilities.
The accolades didn’t stop there. Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, the Managing Director of Digital Realty Nigeria, also received a personal honour, being named the Data Center Leader of the Year. This dual victory for both the company and its leader underscores the visionary leadership that guides Digital Realty’s strategic direction.
Nnamani, a respected figure in the telecommunications and data center industry, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s success and its commitment to building a robust and interconnected digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Engr. Nnamani expressed his profound gratitude for the awards, attributing the success to the collective effort of the entire team. He noted that the recognition was not just for him or the company, but for the entire Nigerian technology community, which has shown incredible resilience and innovation.
“These awards serve as a powerful motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in data center technology, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation. We also want to reiterate Digital Realty’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure that supports the growth of businesses and empowers a digitally-driven economy,” he said.
Earlier in the event, Mr. Akin Naphtal, the Founder of the African Digital Economy Awards, praised Nnamani and Digital Realty for their significant impact. He specifically lauded their expertise in championing the data center connectivity ecosystem, noting that the company has established itself as the most connected data center in Nigeria.
This connectivity, Naphtal explained, is a crucial component of a thriving digital economy, as it enables seamless data exchange, cloud services and enterprise solutions. The praise from Naphtal further validated the company’s strategic focus on building highly interconnected and reliable infrastructure.
This latest honour adds to an impressive and growing list of awards for Engr. Nnamani, highlighting his consistent recognition as a leader in the tech industry. This year alone, he was also recognized with the ICT Personality of the Year at the Digital Innovation Awards (DIA), the ICT Personality of the Decade award at the Beacon of ICT (BoICT) Merit and Leadership Awards, and was named one of the Top 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.
These accolades collectively paint a picture of a leader whose contributions are consistently celebrated and highly valued by his peers and the wider industry.
The African Digital Economy Awards, now in its 10th year, serves as a vital platform for celebrating Africa’s digital champions and innovators. The event is deeply aligned with the African Union’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy, which aims to leverage technology to drive economic growth and social development across the continent. This year’s milestone anniversary event was a powerful testament to the remarkable progress of Africa’s digital landscape, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem that has evolved from nascent tech hubs into a powerhouse of startups, digital innovators, and influential leaders like Engr. Nnamani. The awards ceremony not only recognizes past achievements but also inspires a new generation of digital pioneers.
Digital Realty Nigeria’s dual award victory at such a prestigious event is a clear indication of the company’s rising influence and its integral role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future. As the demand for data continues to surge across the continent, the strategic expansion and leadership demonstrated by Digital Realty and Engr.
Nnamani positions them as frontrunners in providing the essential infrastructure required to support this growth. The company’s focus on connectivity, reliability, and innovation sets a high standard for the industry and ensures that Nigeria remains a key hub for digital services and investment in Africa.