Funke Opeke, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, has officially stepped down following the completion of Equinix’s $320 million acquisition of the Nigerian internet connectivity giant. This marks the end of a significant 14-year leadership journey, during which Opeke transformed MainOne into a pivotal force in West Africa’s digital infrastructure sector.

Opeke’s departure follows the announcement of the acquisition in 2022, as Equinix, a global leader in digital infrastructure, plans to build upon the strong foundation laid by MainOne. The company’s new leadership strategy for the region is designed to enhance the digital ecosystem, addressing the increasing demand for connectivity solutions across West Africa.

In the wake of Opeke’s exit, Equinix has appointed Wole Abu as the new Managing Director for West Africa. Abu, who brings over 20 years of experience in the Nigerian telecom industry, will oversee Equinix’s operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. He previously served as CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, where he led the Nigeria and Africa Data Centre businesses.

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Abu’s appointment is seen as a crucial step in Equinix’s ongoing mission to expand its digital infrastructure services in West Africa, enabling local and multinational clients to tap into the region’s growing digital economy. He expressed his enthusiasm for the role, noting that his focus will be on improving connectivity and advancing digital solutions to bridge the digital divide across the continent.

Equinix’s Vice President for Growth and Emerging Markets, Judith Gardiner, also welcomed Abu’s appointment, emphasizing the company’s continued commitment to supporting Africa’s digital growth. She highlighted that Abu’s leadership would be essential in strengthening Equinix’s presence and accelerating the development of vital data hubs across the region.

With Equinix’s strategic vision and Abu at the helm, the company is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure in West Africa.