Regional Executive at Africa Data Centres, Dr. Krish Ranganath, in this interview with Omolabake Fasogbon, discusses the pivotal role of data centres in Africa’s digital growth, AI’s impacts, and ADC’s roadmap for expanding the continent’s digital footprint. Excerpts:
Given your passion for driving innovation in data centre operations, how would you describe the growth and significance of data centres in Nigeria and Africa?
Data centres have become the backbone of Africa’s digital economy, and their growth in Nigeria is a direct response to the country’s increasing demand for reliable, low-latency, and secure digital infrastructure. As businesses, financial institutions, and government shift to cloud-based solutions, the need for world-class data centres has never been more critical. In Nigeria, data centres are not just supporting existing industries – they are enabling entirely new digital ecosystems. The fintech boom, the rise of e-commerce, and the push for smart governance all depend on efficient data storage and processing. Localised data centres reduce reliance on overseas infrastructure, improving speed, security, and compliance with evolving data regulations. It’s important to highlight the role of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) policies and NITDA frameworks on data domiciliation, which are also key drivers of local and regional data centre development.
How are data centre operations driving the Nigerian and African economies in this era of digital transformation?
Data centres are a fundamental driver of economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa, providing the digital infrastructure that powers businesses, financial services, healthcare, education, and government operations. In today’s digital economy, nearly every industry relies on fast, secure, and scalable data processing, making data centres essential for both operational efficiency and economic expansion. In Nigeria, where fintech, mobile banking, and e-commerce are thriving, local data centres ensure businesses can operate with lower latency, enhanced security, and compliance with data sovereignty laws. This not only strengthens the digital economy but also attracts global investment, as companies seek reliable, in-region data hosting solutions. Lagos is increasingly recognised as the fintech capital of Nigeria and Africa, and we’re seeing AI playing a growing role across all sectors.
You were recognised last year as one of the ‘50 Most Valuable Personalities (MVPs) in Nigeria’s digital economy’. What is your take on the recognition?
Being named one of the 50 Most Valuable Personalities is both an honour and a responsibility. This recognition is not just about me—it’s a testament to the incredible work being done across the industry to build a stronger, more connected Nigeria. It reaffirms the importance of digital infrastructure in shaping the future of business, innovation, and economic growth. Nigeria’s digital economy is evolving rapidly, and at the heart of this transformation are the people and organisations driving meaningful change. My focus has always been on ensuring that our digital foundations—particularly in data centre infrastructure—are built to support this growth sustainably and securely. Reliable digital infrastructure is not just about technology; it’s about enabling businesses to scale, empowering start-ups to innovate, and ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive on a global stage. While I’m grateful for this award, I see it as a call to keep pushing forward, to continue advocating for a stronger digital ecosystem, and to play a role in shaping Nigeria’s future as a digital powerhouse.
How is ADC leveraging emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to further add value to data centre operations in Nigeria and Africa?
At Africa Data Centres, we are constantly exploring emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, security, and sustainability across our operations. As the digital landscape evolves, adopting smart innovations allows us to optimise performance, improve reliability, and ensure we continue meeting the growing demands of businesses across Nigeria and Africa. Technology plays a key role in improving energy efficiency, streamlining operations, and strengthening security within our data centres. By leveraging advanced monitoring systems and automation, we can enhance our infrastructure’s resilience while maintaining the high standards our customers expect. Additionally, as businesses increasingly embrace digital transformation, we remain committed to providing cutting-edge, scalable solutions that support their growth. Our approach is always forward-thinking—ensuring that our data centres are built not just for today’s needs, but for the future of Africa’s digital economy. By continuously refining our operations and embracing innovation where it adds value, ADC is positioned to drive long-term, sustainable progress in Nigeria and beyond.
Given the sensitive nature of data, what measures are you taking to protect organisations’ data from cyber-attacks?
Our approach to security is built on globally recognised standards, advanced technologies, and continuous vigilance. We adhere to internationally recognised certifications such as ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System) and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management System), ensuring that our data centres meet the highest standards for data protection, risk management, and resilience. These frameworks guide our security protocols, from access control and encryption to incident response and disaster recovery planning. Our data centres are also equipped with multi-layered security systems, including 24/7 monitoring, biometric access controls, and strict compliance measures—ensuring that both physical and cyber threats are proactively identified and mitigated. We conduct regular security audits, penetration testing, and compliance reviews to stay ahead of emerging risks. Beyond infrastructure, we also work closely with regulatory bodies and industry experts to align with best practices and evolving cybersecurity regulations.
How receptive are organisations in storing their data with existing data centre operators like ADC, and what are the likely implications for delays in storing and protecting sensitive data?
Organisations are increasingly recognising the value of secure, scalable, and professionally managed data centre infrastructure. As digital transformation accelerates, businesses are moving away from on-premise IT setups and embracing carrier-neutral, high-availability data centres like ours to ensure reliability, security, and compliance with global standards. The reception has been positive, especially as businesses prioritise data security, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Many organisations understand that outsourcing their data storage and infrastructure to a trusted provider allows them to focus on growth while benefiting from world-class security, uptime guarantees, and disaster recovery solutions. However, delays in adopting secure data centre solutions pose significant risks. Organisations that continue to store data in outdated or vulnerable environments face increased exposure to cyber threats, operational disruptions, and regulatory non-compliance. Inadequate data protection measures can lead to data loss, reputational damage, and financial penalties—challenges that can be mitigated by partnering with an established data centre provider.
Today, some state governments are establishing and managing data centres in their states. Do you see this as a threat to private data centre operators like ADC?
The establishment of state-run data centres is a positive step toward strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. Rather than a threat, it signals growing recognition of the critical role data centres play in economic growth and digital transformation. Private operators like us bring expertise, scalability, and global best practices that complement government efforts. Many businesses and hyperscalers require carrier-neutral, high-availability environments that private data centres are uniquely positioned to provide. Ultimately, a well-developed data centre ecosystem—both public and private—benefits the entire digital economy by enhancing connectivity, security, and data sovereignty.
The number of organisations hosting their data in Africa, as opposed to outside the continent, is on the rise. How can this growth be sustained, and what are the advantages of local hosting?
More organisations are choosing to keep their data in Africa—and for good reason. Local hosting means faster speeds, stronger security, and compliance with regional regulations. It also reduces costs and supports the local economy. To sustain this growth, we need to focus on expanding infrastructure, improving connectivity, and ensuring stable power. Public-private partnerships will be essential in making local hosting the default choice for businesses.
What are the advantages of hosting data in the cloud, and how can ADC encourage adoption among organisations?
Cloud hosting is a game-changer. It gives businesses the freedom to scale, access data from anywhere, and reduce IT costs—all while benefiting from top-tier security and disaster recovery. For organisations looking to grow, the cloud isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. We must also consider the challenges around capital expenditure and foreign exchange fluctuations across Africa. ADC’s multi-country presence and interconnected data centre ecosystem provide a unique advantage. At ADC, we make cloud adoption easier by offering secure, high-availability infrastructure that connects businesses to leading cloud providers. Our goal is to create an environment where companies can embrace the cloud confidently, knowing their data is safe, compliant, and accessible.
How will SMEs benefit from storing data with ADC?
For SMEs, managing data infrastructure can be costly, complex, and resource intensive. ADC provides a secure and scalable environment where businesses can store their data with confidence. With uninterrupted power, advanced security protocols, and compliance with industry standards, SMEs gain access to the same level of reliability as large enterprises—without the overhead costs. We also support a partner ecosystem hosted within ADC that offers global-standard services to SMEs at affordable prices through bulk purchasing. By using our carrier-neutral data centres, SMEs benefit from faster connectivity, cloud access, and business continuity solutions—ensuring smooth operations as they grow.
What are your expansion plans in 2025 and beyond?
We’re committed to growing our presence across Africa to support the region’s increasing need for reliable and scalable data infrastructure. Our focus is on expanding capacity in key markets, enhancing interconnection capabilities, and ensuring our facilities remain at the forefront of efficiency and security. We will also continue investing in sustainable energy solutions and strategic partnerships to drive long-term growth and innovation in the industry.
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