MainOne, an Equinix company renowned for providing cutting-edge data centers and connectivity solutions across West Africa, has inked a deal with the Akwa Ibom state government to deliver high-speed connectivity to the state. This strategic partnership aims to bolster digital infrastructure and foster economic growth by enhancing connectivity across the South-South region.
Under the agreement, MainOne will embark on the construction of approximately 140 kilometers of metro fiber infrastructure, in order to unlock the full potential of digital connectivity in underserved areas.
The collaboration with the Akwa Ibom state government follows MainOne’s recent achievement of landing the 2Africa subsea cable system at Qua Iboe Beach in Akwa Ibom. Spanning an impressive 45,000 kilometers, this submarine cable infrastructure boasts a staggering capacity of 180 terabits per second, facilitating rapid expansion of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access.
MainOne’s efforts in expanding digital infrastructure are further underscored by its recent announcement on March 25, 2024, regarding the restoration of services and regional interconnection in West Africa’s digital ecosystem. Despite facing challenges due to damaged submarine cables, MainOne has demonstrated resilience and commitment to ensuring stability and connectivity in the region.
In addition to its initiatives in Akwa Ibom, MainOne has been at the forefront of driving digital innovation across Nigeria. The company recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art data center in Lagos State, providing customers access to a robust ecosystem of telecom operators, global networks, financial services firms, and content providers.
Through partnerships, MainOne is actively working to bridge the digital divide and bring internet connectivity to regions such as Ogun and Edo States, driving socio-economic development and digital inclusion.
MainOne’s initiatives align with Nigeria’s broader efforts to accelerate digital adoption and connectivity nationwide. The launch of ‘Project 774 LG Connectivity’ by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy underscores the government’s commitment to addressing internet and digital access challenges across all 774 Local Government Secretariats in Nigeria. This initiative aims to promote inclusive development and enhance digital public infrastructure in even the most remote areas.
The impact of MainOne’s initiatives is reflected in Nigeria’s growing internet user penetration, which witnessed a steady increase from 2018 to 2022, reaching over 38% of the population. With an estimated internet user base exceeding 83 million, Nigeria’s digital landscape is poised for further growth and transformation, driven by initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity and enhancing digital infrastructure.