What’s Next for Funke Opeke? 

 Funke Opeke’s departure from MainOne, the company she founded in 2008, marks the end of a transformative era. For over 14 years, she led MainOne to revolutionise West Africa’s internet connectivity, making her one of Africa’s most influential tech figures. Her exit is a big, big deal.

Opeke’s tenure was defined by the growth of MainOne from a startup into a foundational player in West Africa’s digital ecosystem. She took on the challenge of Africa’s connectivity issues and delivered infrastructure, including a 7,000-kilometre undersea cable, which expanded broadband access across the region. Her leadership had a transformative impact.

Her exit follows MainOne’s recent acquisition by Equinix for $320 million, a strategic decision she supported to align MainOne with a global data infrastructure giant. With this acquisition, MainOne’s expansion is well-positioned for the future, with Equinix bringing both resources and global expertise to continue the company’s mission.

Opeke’s move opens a new chapter for both her and MainOne. Equinix has already appointed Wole Abu as the Managing Director for West Africa, bringing experience from Liquid Intelligent Technologies. Abu is expected to lead MainOne with an approach informed by Equinix’s broader mission to expand digital infrastructure across Africa.

Opeke’s past accomplishments, particularly her role in establishing critical digital infrastructure, reinforce her potential for future contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem. Whether in advisory roles or new ventures, her expertise will likely be in high demand as African tech continues to grow and diversify.

Her legacy at MainOne assures that her vision for connectivity will remain influential. Equinix’s commitment to expanding MainOne’s capabilities across West Africa could deepen her impact, which makes it clear that her contributions to digital access in Africa will endure.

Looking forward, Opeke may leverage her experience in roles that further Africa’s digital transformation. Having made substantial inroads in connectivity, she could now turn to mentoring, investing in new tech ventures, or consulting, all of which would benefit from her expertise and pioneering spirit.