Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator and industry leaders have urgently advocated for a strategic, unified approach to establishing artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Africa. They caution that the continent could find itself relegated to the role of a passive consumer of foreign technologies unless it actively invests in local capabilities.
This issue was highlighted during a prominent virtual forum organised by Africa Hyperscalers, where Nigeria played a significant role in the dialogue about developing a competitive AI landscape on the continent.
In his keynote address, Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasised that AI has become a fundamental component of competitive infrastructure, akin to roads, electricity, and ports.
Dr Maida noted that countries investing in robust computing capacity, cloud technology, high-speed internet, reliable electricity, and skilled personnel “will unlock new productivity and job opportunities.” At the same time, those who delay will remain dependent on innovations developed elsewhere.
He highlighted the crucial divides in computing, algorithms, and data across Africa, stressing the importance of creating locally governed datasets and AI models tailored to African contexts.
Reaffirming the NCC’s dedication to improving connectivity, he mentioned initiatives to promote cloud adoption, accelerate data centre growth, enhance cybersecurity measures, and support adaptive regulatory frameworks.
Nigeria’s key position in this dialogue is highlighted by its expanding digital landscape, which includes over 20 active data centres, predominantly in Lagos. Despite its current total capacity of just 56.1 MW in 2025, projections indicate this capacity could increase fourfold by 2030 to meet the demands for AI and digital services.
