Airtel bets big on data sovereignty as 38MW Nxtra facility positions Nigeria for Cloud, AI race
Airtel Nigeria has officially kicked off operations at its NXtra Data Centre in Eko Atlantic, Lagos, marking a major milestone in the country’s data evolution journey. This hyperscale, edge-ready facility is set to significantly expand Nigeria’s data infrastructure and strengthen its position as a tech hub in West Africa.
The 38-megawatt data centre is designed to host cloud services, enterprise solutions, content distribution networks, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Strategically located near subsea cable landing stations and high-capacity fibre routes, the facility will provide low-latency connectivity, enhance data sovereignty, and support the increasing demand for reliable data services across the region.
Speaking during a site inspection, Nxtra by Airtel Africa CEO Yashnath Issur emphasized the company’s commitment to world-class infrastructure. “This data centre represents a critical part of our long-term vision for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. We are putting the infrastructure in place to bring the cloud to Nigeria and support high-density, multi-megawatt hyperscale operations,” he said.
Airtel Nigeria CEO Dinesh Balsingh noted that the project is advancing steadily towards completion. He highlighted its energy-efficient design, operational resilience, and capacity to accommodate future digital workloads. Key infrastructure elements, including redundancy systems, power supply architecture, and security protocols, are being rigorously tested to ensure uninterrupted services for businesses and consumers alike.
The NXtra Data Centre is not just a national project; it forms part of Airtel Africa’s broader continental strategy to expand data infrastructure across Africa. Nxtra by Airtel is rolling out similar hyperscale facilities in East Africa, including Kenya, with a 44-megawatt data centre under construction in Tatu City near Nairobi. These developments aim to meet the surging demand for cloud services, digital content, and enterprise-grade connectivity, positioning Airtel as a leading private-sector player in Africa’s digital transformation.
For Nigerian businesses and technology innovators, the Eko Atlantic NXtra facility offers unprecedented opportunities. By enabling faster cloud adoption, secure data hosting, and support for AI-driven applications, it directly addresses infrastructure gaps that have historically constrained growth in the digital economy. Analysts note that such private-sector investments are critical for boosting competitiveness, attracting foreign direct investment, and supporting the government’s broader digital economy initiatives.
Beyond enterprise and cloud services, the data centre is expected to support fintech companies, content platforms, and educational institutions, helping to drive inclusive digital access across Nigeria. With NXtra, Airtel is not merely expanding capacity—it is lighting the way for the next wave of innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.
