Funke Opeke
Funke Opeke stands as a visionary pioneer in West Africa’s telecommunications landscape, renowned for her instrumental role in addressing the region’s internet connectivity challenges. Upon her return to Nigeria, she founded MainOne in 2008, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s telecommunications evolution. Under her leadership, MainOne swiftly emerged as the foremost provider of cutting-edge communication solutions in West Africa.
A notable achievement in MainOne’s trajectory was the engineering of West Africa’s inaugural privately owned submarine cable, spanning a monumental 7,000 kilometers and linking Portugal to key West African hubs such as Accra, Dakar, Abidjan, and Lagos by 2019. This infrastructure revolutionized internet connectivity in the region, laying the groundwork for enhanced communication networks and digital advancement.
Motivated by her unwavering commitment to national development, Opeke’s relentless determination led to the birth of Africa’s largest cable company. Despite facing challenges in securing initial funding, she courageously invested her personal savings and meticulously laid the groundwork through comprehensive feasibility studies and technical preparations, ultimately realizing the vision of MainOne Cable Company.
In 2015, MainOne achieved another significant milestone with the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest Tier III Data Center, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in the region. Additionally, the extension of its submarine cable network from Lagos to Cameroon highlighted MainOne’s commitment to expanding connectivity across West Africa.
Funke Opeke’s remarkable achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring her status as the driving force behind Mainstreet Technologies, the pioneering entity behind MainOne cable. Her visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to revolutionize connectivity in West Africa, contributing significantly to the region’s digital transformation and economic development.