Nigeria’s data centre market was valued at $278 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to $671 million by 2030, according to the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP).
In a statement titled “NCSP Courts China’s Tech Giants, Pitches Nigeria as Next Big Data Frontier,” released on Friday, NCSP Director-General Joseph Tegbe disclosed this information. He had this to say in China, at the Digital Silk Road Connection Events: “Nigeria’s data centre market, valued at $278 million in 2024, is projected to grow to $671 million by 2030.”
Continuing, in Nigeria in particular, Tegbe urged Chinese tech behemoths to take advantage of early opportunities in the continent’s rapidly growing digital economy. He emphasised that Nigeria, which already accounts for a sizable portion of Africa’s internet user base (more than 570 million), had an obvious and pressing need for digital capacity, with mobile traffic growing by 40% yearly.
In line with the Digital Silk Road, the framework for digital cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative, he says this internet demand is a strategic opportunity for deeper Asia-Africa collaboration. Among the four key areas, he listed for Nigeria’s collaboration with China’s tech behemoths was “the development of hyperscale data centres and cloud availability zones.
“The diversification of global AI supply chains through the integration of African datasets and talent, a move that would bring greater inclusivity to emerging technologies. The establishment of joint laboratories in sectors such as agriculture, health, and financial services, ensuring that local data informs local solutions,” he added.
Furthering, Tegbe emphasised the necessity of more robust talent pipelines via research and exchange initiatives that match Chinese expertise with Nigerian capabilities. He linked these plans to the larger African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasising that investors ready to take decisive action have an unparalleled opportunity in the market, which has 1.4 billion people.
BrandSpur technology and information news desk reports that during the China International Big Data Industry Expo, Tegbe presented Nigeria as a logical partner for China to replicate its digital transformation narrative on African territory. As proof of preparedness, he emphasised that Nigeria boasts a flourishing fintech industry, more than 160 million internet-connected citizens, and growing fibre infrastructure. He claimed that because Nigeria is on the verge of transforming intelligence into economic and social value, big data continues to be a top strategic priority.
With Nigeria serving as the continent’s anchor, Tegbe urged Chinese tech leaders to take the lead in creating Africa’s “digital highways.”
He revealed: “If we align China’s expertise with Nigeria’s innovation and Africa’s vast markets, we can create new Silk Roads of digital opportunity. Nigeria is ready. Africa is ready. Together with China, we can shape the digital destiny of tomorrow.”
