Nigeria has intensified its push to become Africa’s premier digital hub by showcasing its booming data market to Chinese technology investors.
With the nation’s data center market valued at $278 million in 2024 and projected to surge to $671 million by 2030, government officials and stakeholders are making a strong case for early foreign investment, especially from China.
At the forefront of this campaign is Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), who used two high-profile platforms in Guiyang, China, to pitch Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Chinese tech leaders.
Speaking at the China International Big Data Industry Expo, Tegbe positioned Nigeria as a natural partner for China in replicating its digital transformation story on African soil.
He noted that Nigeria boasts more than 160 million internet-connected citizens, a rapidly growing fintech sector, and expanding fiber optic infrastructure, all of which make the country primed for a digital revolution.
“With a young, tech-driven population of over 220 million, Nigeria is poised for a digital leap that could mirror the transformation China has achieved in the past two decades,” Tegbe said.
He emphasized that big data is not just a technical issue but a strategic resource, capable of unlocking new economic and social value across Africa.
He urged Chinese companies to act as early movers in building Africa’s “digital highways,” with Nigeria as the anchor.
Tegbe’s second address, delivered at the Digital Silk Road Connection Event, provided a more detailed roadmap.
He revealed that Africa’s internet user base has already surpassed 570 million, with mobile data traffic expanding at nearly 40 percent annually.
This rapid growth, he argued, creates an urgent demand for data infrastructure and digital capacity.
He outlined four priority areas for collaboration between Nigeria and Chinese technology giants:
Development of hyperscale data centers and cloud zones to serve as the backbone of Africa’s digital economy.
Diversification of global AI supply chains by integrating African datasets and talent, ensuring inclusivity in emerging technologies.
Joint laboratories in agriculture, healthcare, and financial services to localize solutions using African-generated data.
Talent development through research and exchange programs, aligning African innovation with Chinese expertise.
Tegbe tied these proposals to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that its 1.4 billion-person market presents an unparalleled investment opportunity.
“The countries that will thrive in the modern economy are not those with the most minerals, but those who can harness data for their people,” he declared.
Nigeria’s pitch is strengthened by its longstanding relationship with China.
Tegbe reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the One-China principle and acknowledged the role Chinese firms such as Huawei, ZTE, CCECC, CRCC, and CHEC have already played in infrastructure and technology projects across Nigeria.
“These firms are already woven into Nigeria’s economic story. Their experience positions them well to lead the next phase of digital cooperation,” Tegbe said.
The NCSP chief closed his engagements with a striking statement:
“The world is entering a new era where data is the new oil.
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.”
Nigeria’s strategy comes at a time when global investment in data centers, cloud infrastructure, and AI integration is accelerating.
By highlighting a $671 million market potential, the government hopes to position Nigeria as a continental hub for digital infrastructure, much like South Africa currently leads in cloud hosting.
Experts say success in attracting Chinese investors could fast-track:
Energy-efficient data centers powered by Nigeria’s gas and renewable resources.
Job creation in ICT, engineering, and AI sectors.
Improved digital services for industries like agriculture, healthcare, and finance.
Technology transfer and skills development for young Nigerians.
With rising global demand for data, Africa’s growing internet population, and China’s appetite for overseas investment, Nigeria’s move is both strategic and timely.
By 2030, the country hopes to be recognized not only as Africa’s largest economy but also as its digital powerhouse, bridging global markets with local innovation.
As Tegbe’s campaign signals, Nigeria is no longer just a consumer of global technology but is actively shaping itself into a partner of choice in the new digital economy.
