Since its launch in 2013, Rack Centre has established itself as a leader in the West African region, boasting a remarkable 100% uptime record while driving innovation and revolutionising the way businesses operate in the digital space.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1As Rack Centre commemorates a decade of unparalleled success, News Wings NG had an interview with the company’s Chief Executive Office, Mr. Lars Johannisson, who delved into the remarkable journey of the company and explored its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Please find below excerpts-
NW: It’s been a decade of operational excellence with 100% uptime since the launch of Rack Centre in 2013; what are some of the key milestones and achievements you are most proud of since the commencement of operations in Nigeria?
LJ: Since Rack Centre’s inception in 2013, the company has achieved numerous milestones that the team should be very proud of. These include the unwavering commitment to operational excellence, resulting in 100% uptime over the past decade. This is really a testament to process and quality excellence. Additionally, we have gradually, and based on performance, expanded our infrastructure, enhanced our service offerings, and solidified our position as West Africa’s leading data centre operator. The successful partnerships, being the host to IXPN and AF-CIX, represent continuous community innovation and dedication to customer satisfaction. These are all key achievements that have contributed to our growth and success.
NW: How has the African data centre industry evolved over the past decade and how has Rack Centre’s services contributed to the development and evolution of Nigeria and Africa’s internet ecosystem?
LJ: From being an early adopter 10 years ago, I dare to say that the team has successfully led a transformation from where this was a niche market to become an integral offering and part of any digitalisation conversation and agenda in Nigeria. This has led our industry and its ecosystem to collectively grow, both in terms of offering and quality, which is positive for all of us. I would categorise Rack Centre and its team as a catalyst in the Nigeria digitalisation journey.
The African data centre industry has experienced significant growth and evolution. As a pioneer in the region, Rack Centre has played a crucial role in shaping this evolution by providing world-class data centre services that meet the evolving needs of Nigeria and West Africa’s internet ecosystem. Our robust infrastructure, reliable connectivity, and strategic location have facilitated the development of digital infrastructure and supported the growth of businesses and economies across the West African region.
NW: How well can you describe the data centre ecosystem in Africa, in terms of service to the people and development of the continent’s internet ecosystem?
LJ: Data Centres play an integral role in digitising a society, and their importance will only grow as people and the industry incorporate more data into their day-to-day lives to enhance productivity. It is not possible right now to visualise an inclusive digital economy where data location, resilience, and ownership of our data are not connected to a data centre presence in Nigeria and elsewhere. The data centre ecosystem in Africa plays a vital role in driving digital transformation, fostering innovation, and enabling economic development. Two examples are IXPN and AF-CIX, which are both present at Rack Centre. Rack Centre’s services contribute to this ecosystem by providing critical infrastructure that supports the delivery of digital services, enhances connectivity, and promotes digital inclusion.
NW: Considering the reach and expansion of Rack Centre in the last ten years, generally speaking, where do you see the future of data centres in Africa in another ten years?
LJ: Looking ahead, we anticipate significant growth, both in Nigeria and the African data centre sector over the next decade. This growth will enable the overall data and cloud explosion in the region, but at the same time we need to have a dedicated focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. As the drivers of our industry explode, we need to ensure that we contribute with the best and most innovative energy solutions available.
Rack Centre is well-positioned to lead this evolution, leveraging its expertise, infrastructure, and partnerships to drive innovation.
NW: There has been so much discussion around your new facility (LGS2). Beyond the size, what should your clients expect in terms of service and how does it benefit the West African internet ecosystem at large?
LJ: The LGS2 Data centre represents our vision of “Build for today, Ready for tomorrow”. Together with investors, partners, and staff, we don’t only leverage our legacy, but we go beyond the current need and prepare for a reality that will be even more interesting. We foresee that AI and high-capacity computing will not only be “offered to the market” but demanded by the Nigerian industry and government as a growth enabler.
Beyond its size of 12MW IT load, our new facility in Oregun, Ikeja represents a significant advancement in data centre technology and power efficiency. The latter is relevant as the new facility drives our sustainability agenda, being the only IFC Edge-certified facility for its Green building design in the EMEA region.
NW: The Nigerian data centre market has grown rapidly in recent times, what is that unique selling point that differentiates Rack Centre from the rest?
LJ: Rack Centre’s unique selling point lies in our unwavering commitment to excellence, 100% uptime, reliability, and customer satisfaction. This can sound like obvious statements, but to deliver them over ten years is a differentiator that our clients acknowledge. We offer authentic carrier and cloud-neutral services, ensuring our customers access a diverse range of connectivity options and service providers. Additionally, our strategic geographical location with the lowest risk of flooding, robust digital ecosystem with over 65 network service providers, world-class infrastructure, and customer-centric approach set us apart in the market and make us the preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable data centre solutions in Nigeria and beyond.
NW: With the campaign around climate change, different sectors are embracing sustainability measures; can you share with us the position of Rack Centre on this, and if actions have been undertaken toward green design principles?
LJ: Rack Centre is fully committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We recognise the importance of green design principles in minimising our environmental impact and promoting a sustainable future. To this end, we have implemented various initiatives to reduce energy consumption, optimise resource utilisation, and minimise our carbon footprint. Our upcoming LGS2 facility, for example, will incorporate energy-efficient design features and utilise renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet, and this in turn, has earned our facility the IFC edge certification in Green Building, making the facility the only data centre with this certification in the EMEA region. The design principles and team behind our expansion puts Nigeria at the forefront of data centre efficiency.
NW: Let’s bring back the issue of operational excellence with 100% uptime. How has Rack Centre been able to sustain this and what strategy is behind it considering Rack Centre’s location on the Lagos mainland which is quite distant from the ocean where the cables come into Nigeria?
LJ: First, this is a recognition of the staff of Rack Centre and their dedication. Sustaining operational excellence and achieving 100% uptime is also a testament to Rack Centre’s rigorous maintenance protocols, robust infrastructure, and ESG principles. Leveraging the most secure location in Lagos, we have implemented redundant connectivity solutions, backup power systems, and rigorous security measures to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Our proactive approach to maintenance, continuous monitoring, and investment in resilient infrastructure have been key strategies in maintaining uptime and ensuring customer satisfaction.
NW: What are some of the emerging technologies that Rack Centre is investing in to stay ahead of the curve in the data centre industry?
LJ: Our new facility and its design integrate the most advanced cooling and energy-efficient solutions available. We have considered that the next years’ expansion will see advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, edge computing, and cybersecurity. All these will demand high-capacity computing and energy requirements. At Rack Centre, we are ready and by embracing these technologies, we enhance the capabilities of our data centres, improve service delivery, and provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
NW: In another ten years, technological innovations would have been recorded in the data centre sector, how well prepared is Rack Centre for such?
LJ: I think our vision and design respond to that, “Build for today, Ready for tomorrow”. Rack Centre’s expansion is well-prepared to embed technological innovations in the data centre sector over the next decade. Our flexible infrastructure, team, agile approach to development, and commitment to innovation position us as a leader in the industry, capable of adapting to technological advancements and driving positive change.
NW: Rack Centre has been in Nigeria for ten years. How would you describe your personal and business relationship with Nigeria?
LJ: I have worked and lived in Nigeria intermittently, since 2012, in different roles and responsibilities. Therefore, Nigeria holds a special place in my heart, personally and professionally. Over the past decade, I have developed a deep appreciation for the country’s rich culture, diverse communities, and entrepreneurial spirit. From a business perspective, Nigeria presents immense opportunities for growth and innovation, the team at Rack Centre and investors are proud to play a role in shaping the country’s digital future. Our strong ties to Nigeria are rooted in our commitment to driving positive change, empowering businesses, and contributing to the nation’s development.
NW: What are Rack Centre’s expansion plans for the African market, and what new markets are the company considering?
LJ: Rack Centre recognises the immense potential of the African market and is strategically positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities across the continent. Our expansion plans are guided by a comprehensive strategy that focuses on geographical expansion, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships to further solidify our position as the leading data centre operator in West Africa. Right now, our focus is to deliver our commitment in Nigeria, to our clients and continue to develop the strong team that made this journey of excellence a reality.
