Open Access Data Centres (OADC), a subsidiary of WIOCC Group, is set to significantly expand its data centre located in Lagos, Nigeria, with plans to invest up to US$240 million. This expansion aims to boost the facility's capacity from an initial 1.5 megawatts (MW) to an impressive 24 MW by 2027.
The Tier-III data centre, which began operations at the end of 2022, is part of OADC’s broader strategy to enhance its data centre infrastructure across Africa. This initiative is backed by a substantial US$500 million investment plan announced in 2021, designed specifically for building out such vital infrastructure. According to reports from Punch, OADC’s CEO, Ayotunde Coker, confirmed that the Lagos facility's expansion will be executed in two phases, each adding 12 MW of capacity.
During a press conference held around March 18, 2025, Coker noted that the first phase of the expansion is anticipated to finish within 18 months, although he cautioned that typical projects of this nature often exceed two years due to the complexities involved in design and execution. Coker stated, “Projects like this typically take more than two years due to the complexity of design and execution,” signifying OADC’s commitment to overcoming potential delays that may arise.
Funding for the Lagos data centre expansion has already been secured from international finance partners, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Proparco, which is a subsidiary of the Agence Française de Développement Group. This support highlights the confidence these institutions have in OADC’s growth potential and operational strategies.
In addition to conventional financing, OADC has pioneered a sustainability-linked loan, directly tied to their commitment to enhancing energy efficiency in their data centres. Notably, they are also pursuing EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) green building certification, which further emphasizes their dedication to sustainability in their operations.
OADC, while focusing primarily on its Nigerian facility, also boasts additional data centres situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, reinforcing the company’s presence across Africa. This expansion is part of a larger trend in the region where demand for data processing and storage capabilities has skyrocketed, driven by increased digital activity and the growing number of businesses relying on cloud services.
The expansion plans at the Lagos facility are not only significant for OADC but represent a crucial step toward meeting the burgeoning digital needs of the African market. As more companies migrate online and seek robust data solutions, initiatives like these are essential to providing the necessary infrastructure to support a vibrant tech ecosystem.
By increasing the facility's capacity, OADC aims to provide more reliable services catering to the needs of local and international businesses alike. This move potentially positions OADC as a leading player in the growing African data centre industry, which is witnessing rapid growth amid a global increase in data demand.
In conclusion, the bold investment and strategic expansion efforts being undertaken by OADC exemplify the company's long-term vision and commitment to not only its growth but also the overall development of Africa's technology landscape. Through these initiatives, they are well-poised to support the continent's evolving digital economy, ensuring that businesses have access to the advanced infrastructure necessary to thrive in the coming years.
