Expanding Nigerian data center market projected to surge from N111.1 billion ($278 million) in 2024 to N1.41 trillion ($671 million) by 2030, according to the Nigeria Communications Satellite Project (NCSP) forecasts.

Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), recently emphasized the potential for collaboration between China's technology giants and Nigeria's rapidly expanding digital economy. Speaking at the Digital Silk Road Connection Event in China, Tegbe highlighted four priority areas for partnership, including the development of hyperscale data centers and cloud availability zones.

Tegbe underscored Nigeria's readiness for deeper Asia-Africa collaboration under the Digital Silk Road. With more than 160 million internet-connected citizens, a thriving fintech sector, and expanding fiber infrastructure, Nigeria presents a strategic opening for such collaboration. Mobile traffic in the country expands at an annual rate of 40%, demonstrating the growing demand for digital services.

Tegbe framed Nigeria as a natural partner for China in replicating its digital transformation story on African soil. He reiterated that the world is entering a new era where data is the new oil, and Nigeria's data center market, currently worth $278 million, is projected to reach $671 million by 2030.

The NCSP Director-General emphasized the potential for aligning China's expertise with Nigeria's innovation and Africa's vast markets to create digital opportunities. Tegbe tied his proposals to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing its 1.4 billion-person market as an unprecedented opportunity.

Tegbe urged Chinese technology leaders to be early movers in building Africa's "digital highways." He emphasized the need for stronger talent pipelines through research and exchange programs, as well as the diversification of global AI supply chains, which would involve integrating African datasets and talent.

Big data remains a strategic priority for Nigeria, aiming to turn intelligence into economic and social value. Tegbe emphasized the establishment of joint laboratories in sectors such as agriculture, health, and financial services. He also announced that recent engagements between Nigeria and China secured over $20 billion in investment commitments across key sectors of Nigeria.

According to Tegbe, this move would bring greater inclusivity to emerging technologies. He stated that Chinese technology companies Huawei, ZTE, CCCC, CRCC, CCECC, and CHEC are expected to participate in the development of hyperscale data centers in Nigeria around 2030.

Tegbe urged Chinese technology giants to seize early opportunities in Nigeria's rapidly expanding digital economy. He sees this internet demand as a strategic opening for deeper Asia-Africa collaboration under the Digital Silk Road. Demand for digital capacity is clear and urgent in Nigeria, which already shares a large percentage of Africa's internet user base.

Expanding Nigerian data center market projected to surge from N111.1 billion ($278 million) in 2024 to N1.41 trillion ($671 million) by 2030, according to the Nigeria Communications Satellite Project (NCSP) forecasts.