Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, along with industry stakeholders, is calling for a coordinated strategy to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure across Africa. Experts warn that without investing in homegrown capabilities, the continent risks becoming merely a consumer of technologies developed abroad.
The issue was discussed during a central virtual forum hosted by Africa Hyperscalers, where Nigeria played a leading role in conversations about building a competitive AI ecosystem in Africa.
In his keynote, Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stressed that AI is now an essential part of national infrastructure, comparable to roads, electricity, and ports.
Dr Maida pointed out that nations prioritising investments in computing power, cloud services, high-speed internet, stable electricity, and skilled talent stand to gain significant productivity and employment benefits. Conversely, lagging countries may remain dependent on technologies developed elsewhere.
He also highlighted disparities in computing resources, algorithms, and data across Africa and underscored the need to develop locally governed datasets and AI models tailored to the continent’s unique needs.
Reaffirming the NCC’s commitment to improving connectivity, Dr Maida outlined initiatives to promote cloud adoption, expand data centre infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and create adaptive regulatory frameworks.
Nigeria’s leading role in AI development is evident in its growing digital infrastructure, including more than 20 operational data centres, mainly in Lagos. Although the nation’s total capacity currently stands at 56.1 MW in 2025, projections suggest it could quadruple by 2030 to support AI and broader digital services.
Nigeria Urges Stronger AI Infrastructure Development Across Africa