After 14 years at the helm, Funke Opeke, founder and CEO of MainOne, has officially stepped down, concluding a transformative tenure that established MainOne as a leader in West Africa’s digital connectivity landscape. Her departure follows MainOne’s integration with global digital infrastructure company Equinix, which acquired the Nigerian broadband and data center provider in 2022 for $320 million. This acquisition signaled Equinix’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
A Legacy of Digital Transformation
Since MainOne’s inception in 2010, Opeke has been instrumental in reshaping Nigeria’s digital landscape. Her vision for improved connectivity led to the launch of the region’s first privately-owned submarine cable, addressing West Africa’s internet infrastructure gap. This achievement not only expanded internet access but also fueled digital inclusion across various sectors. MainOne became a trusted partner for governments, enterprises, and internet service providers, laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s tech-driven economy and positioning it as a critical player in the region.
MainOne has continued operating under the brand “MainOne, Solutions by Equinix,” benefiting from Equinix’s global infrastructure. With additional data centers planned for Victoria Island, Lekki, and Port Harcourt by 2026, Equinix aims to bolster West Africa’s digital infrastructure, anticipating increased demand from sectors like finance, media, and government.
Equinix’s Strategy to Scale Digital Services in Africa
Equinix’s acquisition of MainOne aligns with its global expansion strategy, with Africa viewed as a high-potential market for digital services. Having recently invested in markets like Canada and India, Equinix sees Nigeria—the continent’s largest economy—as a critical gateway into Africa. The company is committed to addressing Africa’s digital infrastructure gap by integrating advanced data security, resilience, and sustainable energy management into MainOne’s operations.
Equinix’s strategic expansion in Nigeria is expected to attract multinational enterprises, including cloud service and content providers, seeking secure and scalable data solutions. The company’s potential to expand further across the continent may establish a network of high-performance data centers, ultimately supporting Africa’s digital transformation and economic growth.
MainOne’s New Chapter Without Funke Opeke
Opeke’s departure marks the end of an era for MainOne, but her legacy as a tech pioneer in Africa remains. Known for her resilience and visionary leadership, Opeke transformed connectivity challenges into opportunities, inspiring a generation of African tech entrepreneurs. Her contributions have significantly advanced digital access and infrastructure across West Africa, laying a solid foundation for continued growth.
With Equinix now guiding MainOne’s future, the company is well-positioned to leverage its expanded resources and expertise. This partnership could enable MainOne to play an even more pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital landscape, setting new standards in data services and meeting the region’s escalating digital needs.
