MTN Nigeria Attains Tier III Certification for Dabengwa Data Centre, Strengthening Nigeria’s Position in Africa’s Digital Economy

MTN Nigeria has achieved a landmark milestone with the Tier III Certification for Constructed Facility (TCCF) for its Dabengwa Data Centre, underscoring its commitment to world-class infrastructure and digital solutions that will drive Africa’s progress in the global digital economy.

The certification, awarded by the Uptime Institute, places the Dabengwa Data Centre among the most resilient and reliable facilities in Africa, capable of guaranteeing 99.982% availability—a benchmark that reassures enterprises, financial institutions, startups, and government agencies of secure and uninterrupted digital operations.

A Flashback to the Journey

When MTN Nigeria launched the Dabengwa Data Centre years ago, it wasn’t just an investment in steel and servers—it was a visionary project. Named after the late Sifiso Dabengwa, the centre was designed to provide Nigeria with a reliable digital backbone at a time when data security, hosting capacity, and business continuity were major concerns for the nation’s digital economy.

With the Tier III certification, MTN has validated that vision, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for cloud services, digital payments, and enterprise technology.

Why This Matters

Industry experts say this milestone has far-reaching implications.

• Dr. Muda Yusuf, economist and former DG of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked: “Digital infrastructure is the new oil for Africa. For Nigeria, MTN’s Tier III certification shows that we are building globally trusted systems that can attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen digital sovereignty.”
• Funke Opeke, founder of MainOne, added: “Enterprises and startups need reliable, world-class facilities to innovate and scale. With this certification, MTN has strengthened the trust that critical sectors—from banking to fintech and e-commerce—can place in local infrastructure.”
• A senior ICT regulator who spoke off-record said: “Certifications like this reduce the risk of businesses depending on offshore hosting. It’s a strong step toward keeping sensitive national data within Nigerian borders.”

Shareholders’ Benefits:

 

1. Enhanced Corporate Reputation:

The Tier III certification boosts MTN Nigeria’s brand as a leader in digital infrastructure, strengthening investor confidence and increasing the company’s appeal to both local and foreign institutional investors.

2. Revenue Growth Potential:

With businesses, startups, fintechs, and government agencies now more likely to host services locally at Dabengwa Data Centre, MTN is positioned to generate higher recurring revenue streams from cloud services, colocation, and enterprise solutions.

3. Competitive Advantage:

The certification sets MTN apart from other telecom and ICT firms in Nigeria, consolidating its market dominance. This competitive edge can translate to long-term shareholder value appreciation.

4. Foreign Investment Attraction:

By meeting global standards, MTN Nigeria positions itself to attract international clients and partners who demand Tier-certified facilities—opening doors to foreign currency inflows and broader investment opportunities.

5. Sustainability and Stability:

The assurance of 99.982% uptime means reliability for critical sectors (like banking, fintech, e-commerce). This long-term stability reduces operational risks and aligns with shareholder expectations for sustainable returns.

6. Strategic Alignment with Africa’s Digital Future:

As digital transformation accelerates in Africa, MTN shareholders benefit from being invested in a company that isn’t just following the trend but shaping it. The certification is a strategic signal that MTN is future-proofing its operations, ensuring consistent relevance and profitability.

Stakeholders’ Benefits:

 

• Businesses & Enterprises: Can host sensitive data with confidence, reducing downtime and boosting productivity.
• Startups & Innovators: Gain access to reliable local cloud infrastructure that supports growth and accelerates innovation.
• Financial Institutions: Enjoy stronger disaster recovery and compliance with global security standards.
• Government & Regulators: A boost for Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, reducing reliance on foreign data centres.
• Investors: Reassurance that Nigeria is serious about global best practices in digital infrastructure.

Reflections on the Milestone

For MTN, this is not just a corporate achievement but a statement of leadership in Africa’s digital revolution. The certification cements its role as a technology enabler, beyond telecom services, and a partner in national development.

As Nigeria pushes toward a $1 trillion economy and greater digital inclusion, facilities like the Dabengwa Data Centre will serve as anchors for fintech expansion, AI-driven solutions, e-commerce platforms, and the broader innovation ecosystem.

The message is clear: MTN Nigeria is not only connecting people with voice and data, it is laying the digital foundation for Africa’s next economic leap.

MTN Nigeria’s Dabengwa Data Centre earns Tier III Certification, marking a major milestone in digital infrastructure. Experts highlight its benefits for businesses, startups, and Nigeria’s digital economy.