From Undersea Cables to Digital Transformation: The Story of Funke Opeke and MainOne

2024-12-28

Funke Opeke, a visionary engineer and entrepreneur, is a leading figure in Africa’s digital transformation journey. Her story is one of perseverance, defying doubts, and building a company that transformed internet connectivity across West Africa.

In 2008, Opeke proposed a seemingly outlandish idea: building a 7,000 kilometer undersea fiber optic cable network connecting Portugal to Nigeria. Many scoffed at the idea, calling it unrealistic and overly ambitious. However, Opeke, with her nearly 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, knew the potential this project held for Africa’s future.

Despite initial skepticism, Opeke secured funding and completed the project in just two years. MainOne, the company she founded, became a game-changer for internet connectivity in Nigeria. Businesses, homes, and internet service providers gained access to reliable and high-speed internet, while major telecom operators like MTN and Airtel benefitted from improved infrastructure. MainOne’s influence extended beyond Nigeria, providing crucial internet connections to ten other African countries.

Opeke’s foresight was further validated in 2021 when Equinix, a digital infrastructure giant, acquired MainOne for a staggering $320 million. This acquisition not only marked a successful exit for Opeke but also highlighted the strategic importance of MainOne’s infrastructure for Africa’s digital growth.

While some questioned Opeke’s decision to sell, she believed it was the right step to further accelerate MainOne’s vision. Equinix’s global reach and resources promised to fuel MainOne’s expansion plans and empower Africa’s digital transformation journey.

What Undercode Says:

Funke Opeke’s story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa. It demonstrates the power of vision, resilience, and the ability to identify opportunities where others see challenges. MainOne’s success story underscores the critical role of infrastructure development in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.

Opeke’s journey also highlights the growing importance of Africa in the global digital landscape. With a young and tech-savvy population, Africa presents a vast market potential for tech companies like Equinix. The acquisition of MainOne is a strategic move that positions Equinix to play a key role in Africa’s digital future.

Looking ahead, collaborations like this between international companies and African pioneers like Opeke are likely to shape the continent’s digital transformation. By combining global expertise with local knowledge and innovation, Africa can unlock its full potential and emerge as a major player in the digital age.