Nigeria Calls for Pan-African Collaboration to Strengthen AI and Digital Infrastructure

Nigeria has intensified its call for stronger collaboration among African nations to build robust artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, warning that the continent risks long-term dependence on foreign technology platforms without strategic investment in local capacity.

Speaking at GITEX Africa held in Marrakech, Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized the urgent need for Africa to develop its own cloud and computing ecosystem.

Addressing Africa’s Digital Capacity Gap

Despite accounting for an estimated 15–19% of the global population, Africa contributes less than 0.6% of the world’s data center computing power. Abdullahi described this imbalance as a critical challenge for the continent’s participation in the global digital economy.

“Africa has one of the youngest populations and one of the fastest-growing digital markets, yet our computing capacity remains extremely limited,” he noted.

He stressed that computing power and data infrastructure are foundational to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Avoiding Past Industrial Pitfalls

Abdullahi cautioned against repeating historical patterns where Africa primarily supplied raw materials and talent without developing its own industrial base.

“This new era is driven by AI and cloud technologies. While we generate vast amounts of data, the question remains—who owns, processes, and derives value from it?” he said.

Toward a “Cloud of Clouds” for Africa

To address these challenges, Nigeria and its regional partners are exploring a collaborative framework described as a “cloud of clouds.” This model would interconnect existing national infrastructures rather than relying on a centralized system.

The initiative draws inspiration from Europe’s GAIA-X, while Nigeria’s own sovereign cloud efforts are already underway to support local data control and digital sovereignty.

Focus on National Interest and Strategic Partnerships

Abdullahi emphasized that Nigeria’s approach prioritizes national and continental interests over reliance on individual global technology providers. He revealed that a technical working group—comprising international cloud providers and local data center operators—has been established to design a collaborative framework for infrastructure development.

Expanding Regional Participation

Looking ahead, preparations for the upcoming GITEX Nigeria event are in advanced stages, with ambitions to exceed previous participation levels. The government is actively encouraging broader involvement from African countries, particularly within West Africa, to strengthen regional cooperation in the technology ecosystem.

Supporting High-Impact Startups

NITDA is also refining its startup engagement strategy by focusing on ventures with proven products and strong commercial potential, rather than prioritizing participation volume alone. This shift aims to foster sustainable innovation and economic impact.

Strengthening Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Era

Addressing cybersecurity concerns, Abdullahi highlighted the increasing interconnectedness of digital systems and the risks this poses. He noted that breaches in one organization can quickly extend to others through integrated platforms.

He called for greater transparency and collaboration in sharing threat intelligence, warning that the rise of AI is making cyber threats more sophisticated and harder to detect.

“Organizations must move beyond secrecy and work together to address emerging cyber risks,” he advised.

A Strategic Path Forward

Nigeria’s push for AI collaboration reflects a broader vision for Africa’s digital future—one centered on self-reliance, innovation, and shared growth. By investing in infrastructure, fostering partnerships, and strengthening policy frameworks, the continent aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global technology landscape