Founder of digital infrastructure giant, MainOne, Funke Opeke, has resigned as CEO after the company’s full integration with Equinix, which acquired MainOne in a $320 million deal in 2021.
Though stepping down, Opeke will remain a strategic advisor to Equinix for its operations across West Africa until March 2026.
Meanwhile, former CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Wole Abu, has been appointed as Equinix’s new managing director for West Africa. Abu will lead the company’s expansion of digital infrastructure in the region, overseeing Equinix’s operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The integration process, which began in 2022, has seen MainOne staff benefit from salary increases and positions Equinix to enhance its footprint in West Africa. The company now operates two data centres in Lagos and has plans for three additional centres and an expanded fibre network.
Expressing his vision for the region, Abu stated, “I’m excited to be joining Equinix, as we share a common vision for expanding digital infrastructure across Africa. This mission is crucial for bringing life-enhancing services to the region and bridging the digital divide.”
Equinix’s vice president for Growth and Emerging Markets, Judith Gardiner, emphasised the importance of this leadership transition, noting that it aligns with Equinix’s goal of establishing critical digital hubs in Africa, supporting digital innovation, and fostering economic growth across the continent.
