Meta Expands Africa’s Digital Infrastructure with New Data Centers and 2Africa Cable Investment

Meta is intensifying its efforts to boost Africa’s digital transformation through major investments in data centers and subsea cable projects. The move comes as internet penetration across the continent accelerates, fueled by its rapidly growing population and rising demand for online services.

Speaking at the launch of Digital Realty’s new Lagos facility (LKK2) in Lekki, Ben Ryall, Meta’s Edge Strategy Manager, emphasized the importance of connectivity in driving Africa’s economic and social development. “Reliable connectivity is essential to unlocking economic growth, financial inclusion, and social development across Africa,” he said, noting that the continent’s youthful population—projected to hit 2.1 billion by 2050—offers both challenges and vast opportunities.

The newly launched LKK2 facility introduces nearly 2MW of IT capacity across 13,000 square feet and complements the existing LKK1 site, which hosts a landing station for the 2Africa subsea cable. Together, these facilities strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional digital hub, linking more than 46 cable landing stations across 33 countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Meta’s co-investment in the 2Africa subsea cable, alongside major telecom operators, aims to scale internet capacity, enhance redundancy, and minimize reliance on single-route systems. This infrastructure will support essential services such as e-commerce, online learning, telemedicine, and social media platforms, creating a more resilient digital ecosystem across the continent.

Beyond Nigeria, Meta plans to extend its infrastructure network to Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other underserved African markets. The company’s long-term goal is to build open, sustainable, and resilient digital infrastructure that unlocks Africa’s economic and social potential in the global digital economy.

Source: Business Day