NCSP Woos China’s Tech Giants, Positions Nigeria as Africa’s Big Data Hub

NCSP Woos China’s Tech Giants, Positions Nigeria as Africa’s Big Data Hub

GUIYANG, CHINA — Nigeria has intensified its push to become Africa’s next big data hub, urging Chinese technology giants to seize first-mover advantage in the continent’s fast-growing digital economy.

Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, delivered the message during two high-level engagements in Guiyang, China — the China International Big Data Industry Expo and the Digital Silk Road Connection Event.

Nigeria as Africa’s Digital Anchor

At the Expo, Tegbe framed Nigeria as a natural partner for China in replicating its digital transformation story across Africa.

He pointed to Nigeria’s 160 million internet-connected citizens, a booming fintech sector, expanding fiber-optic networks, and a young, tech-driven population of 220 million as evidence of readiness.

“Big data is not merely a technical issue but a strategic one — about turning intelligence into economic and social value,” Tegbe said, adding that Africa’s current infrastructure gaps should be seen not as weaknesses but as investment opportunities.

He urged Chinese firms to be early movers in building Africa’s “digital highways,” positioning Nigeria as the continental anchor.

Roadmap for Partnership

In his second address at the Digital Silk Road forum, Tegbe unveiled a roadmap for deeper Asia–Africa cooperation.

He disclosed that Nigeria’s data center market, valued at $278 million in 2024, is projected to reach $671 million by 2030, with Africa’s internet user base already above 570 million and mobile traffic growing at 40 percent annually.

Tegbe identified four priority areas for collaboration:

1. Hyperscale data centers and cloud availability zones to power Africa’s digital economy.
2. Diversification of global AI supply chains by integrating African datasets and talent.
3. Joint laboratories in agriculture, health, and financial services to ensure local data informs local solutions.
4. Talent pipelines and research exchange programs to align African skills with Chinese expertise.

He linked these proposals to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing its 1.4 billion-person market as a game-changer for decisive investors.

Strengthening China–Nigeria Ties

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China principle, Tegbe praised Chinese firms such as Huawei, ZTE, CCECC, CRCC, CHEC, and CCCC, noting their longstanding role in Nigeria’s infrastructure and technology growth.

“The world is entering a new era where data is the new oil,” Tegbe said. “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.”