Funke Opeke joined Shell Foundation’s Board of Trustees in June 2023. Funke is the founder and CEO of MainOne, a leading data infrastructure company providing data centre and communications services across West Africa. She launched MainOne with the development of a private communications submarine cable that connects Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ívoire, Senegal and Portugal in 2010. This cable system provides high-speed international connectivity which has significantly improved internet access across West Africa.
Through MainOne, Funke has played a crucial role in the development of broadband communications in Nigeria by building terrestrial fibre optic networks and MDXi data centres in Lagos, Accra, and Abidjan, in addition to the submarine cable. Her efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s digital transformation and the increased availability of affordable high-speed internet has facilitated e-commerce, e-government services, online education, and other digital initiatives, driving economic growth and social development. MainOne was acquired by Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company in April 2022.
Funke Opeke has received numerous awards for her contributions to Nigeria’s internet growth and has become an influential voice in advocating for improved broadband access and digital inclusion.