Funke Opeke Transitions to Strategic Advisor as MainOne Embarks on Next Chapter with Equinix

Funke Opeke, the visionary behind MainOne, a company she founded in 2008 to tackle Africa’s digital divide, has stepped down as its Managing Director for West Africa, following Equinix’s acquisition. Her new role as Strategic Advisor for the region reflects a shift as MainOne, under Equinix’s guidance, aims to expand Africa’s digital infrastructure. 

This leadership transition is no small feat. Opeke has been a central figure in West Africa’s digital revolution, steering MainOne since its groundbreaking launch of the first private submarine cable on Africa’s West Coast. From inception, MainOne’s mission has been bold: to create reliable, accessible digital infrastructure in a market long underserved. Now, as MainOne becomes fully integrated with Equinix, the world’s largest global data center provider, Opeke’s advisory role suggests a broader strategic direction as the company scales its data capacity and strengthens connectivity across Africa.

Pioneering Growth in African Digital Infrastructure

Equinix’s $320 million acquisition of MainOne was one of Africa’s most notable tech exits. It marked Equinix’s entrance into the African market, a strategic move highlighting the continent’s potential as one of the fastest-growing data consumers globally. With data consumption skyrocketing, MainOne’s assets—its submarine and terrestrial fiber networks and operational data centers across Nigeria and Ghana—are pivotal in creating a more connected Africa.

Opeke’s shift to a strategic advisory role allows her to continue guiding this transformative journey, leveraging her vast experience while enabling new leadership to drive day-to-day operations. Her successor, Wole Abu, a seasoned executive in digital transformation with roles at Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Airtel Nigeria, is expected to capitalize on MainOne’s existing infrastructure and broaden Equinix’s footprint across West Africa. His leadership will be essential as Equinix launches new data center projects and expands fiber capacity, with an eye toward positioning itself as the foremost digital infrastructure provider in Africa.

A Transition that Signals Equinix’s Long-Term Commitment

Equinix’s commitment goes beyond the initial acquisition. By focusing on data center expansions and enhanced connectivity solutions, Equinix isn’t merely investing in infrastructure—it’s setting up a foundation for Africa’s digital future. With Opeke’s continued involvement in a strategic role, the transition signals continuity in MainOne’s mission, reinforced by Equinix’s global resources and technical expertise.

For the wider business ecosystem, Opeke’s transition also reflects a positive trend: African tech founders are increasingly collaborating with global giants to secure capital, expertise, and infrastructure, accelerating digital transformation across the continent. Equinix’s integration of MainOne offers a model of partnership that leverages local insight with global best practices, setting a standard for future acquisitions in Africa’s tech sector.

MainOne’s Legacy and Future Under New Leadership

Opeke’s legacy is unmistakable. Through MainOne, she helped establish Yaba in Lagos as Nigeria’s “Silicon Valley,” with the infrastructure that allowed startups like Andela, CcHUB, and Flutterwave to thrive. Her efforts in laying a digital foundation have catalyzed entire sectors of the Nigerian economy, enabling a new generation of tech-driven businesses.

As Equinix pursues growth in Africa, Abu’s role will be instrumental in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, aligning with Equinix’s global standards, and advancing Africa’s digital ecosystem to meet the demands of a fast-growing market. In her new role, Opeke will continue to lend her expertise to this next phase, helping to shape a digital future for West Africa that builds on her foundational work.

Opeke’s move to an advisory position is a strategic shift, but it’s hardly a step back. It’s a continuation of her legacy and a sign of the new heights MainOne and Equinix aspire to reach. For businesses, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, this shift is more than just a change in title—it’s a signal that Africa’s digital journey is only beginning.