Nigeria is stepping up efforts to position itself as Africa’s leading data hub, calling on Chinese technology companies to invest in its growing digital economy.
Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), made the appeal at the China International Big Data Industry Expo and Digital Silk Road Connection in Guiyang, China. He said Nigeria’s large, tech-savvy population and expanding internet penetration give it a competitive edge.
“With 220 million people, mostly young and tech-driven, and over 160 million internet users, Nigeria is primed for a digital leap,” Tegbe said. He noted that the country’s data centre market, valued at $278 million in 2024, is projected to more than double to $671 million by 2030.
Tegbe outlined priority areas for collaboration, including hyperscale data centres, diversifying global AI supply chains with African datasets, joint laboratories in agriculture, health and finance, and training programmes for digital talent.
He praised Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE, already active in Nigeria’s infrastructure and technology sectors, saying their experience positions them to lead a new phase of cooperation.
“The world is entering a new era where data is the new oil,” Tegbe said. “If we align China’s expertise with Nigeria’s innovation and Africa’s vast markets, we can create new Silk Roads of digital opportunity.”
