Sylvia Duruson
The digital landscape of West Africa is set to undergo a significant transformation with the strategic expansion of TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of Angola Cables. The company’s latest initiative involves establishing a new point of presence (PoP) at the Lagos Rack Centre facility, marking a critical milestone in regional digital infrastructure development.
Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria and West Africa, highlighted the importance of this expansion. The new PoP aims to revolutionize digital connectivity by localizing traffic and providing faster, more reliable internet access to enterprises, government institutions, and individuals across the region.
Angola Cables brings substantial technical expertise to this venture, with an extensive submarine cable network spanning over 33,000 kilometers. The company’s global reach extends through partner cables, creating connections between the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Since entering the West African market in November 2022, TelCables has been actively working to enhance ICT solutions in the region.
The expansion coincides with Rack Centre’s ambitious campus development in Lagos. The facility is nearing completion of its LGS 2 Data Centre, which will significantly boost the campus’s capabilities. Upon completion, the center will offer 13.5MW of IT Power and 7,200 square meters of space, creating a robust infrastructure for digital operations.
Rack Centre CEO Lars Johannisson emphasized the project’s broader implications. The new data center has been specifically designed with artificial intelligence readiness in mind, providing enhanced data processing and storage capabilities. Currently, the Lagos facility already hosts over 68 telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers, and global Tier 1 networks.
This strategic partnership represents more than just a technical upgrade. It symbolizes a collaborative approach to building resilient digital infrastructure in West Africa. The initiative positions the region to become a more significant contributor to the global digital economy, addressing critical connectivity challenges.
TelCables’ recent expansion is not limited to Nigeria. In March 2024, the company also opened a new PoP at Teraco’s data center facility in Durban, South Africa, demonstrating a broader commitment to digital connectivity across the continent.
The development underscores a pivotal moment for West African digital infrastructure. By creating more localized, efficient, and powerful connectivity solutions, TelCables and Rack Centre are laying the groundwork for future technological advancements and economic growth in the region.
As digital transformation continues to accelerate, such strategic infrastructure investments will play a crucial role in bridging connectivity gaps and empowering businesses and communities across West Africa.
