FG SEEKS GLOBAL TECH INVESTMENT AS NIGERIA TARGETS $1BN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST

The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to attract major international technology companies and investors into Nigeria’s digital infrastructure sector, with about $1 billion in potential investment expected to support the expansion of data centres, cloud services and other critical technology infrastructure.

The push is part of the government’s wider plan to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and position the country as a major technology and digital services hub in Africa. The government has identified stronger infrastructure, improved connectivity and increased private-sector participation as important factors in attracting more technology companies and encouraging existing players to expand their operations.

Nigeria is already seeing significant investment in data centres and related infrastructure, with major operators expanding their capacity to meet rising demand for cloud computing, digital services and artificial intelligence. Recent industry investments have included projects by companies such as MTN, Rack Centre, MainOne and Open Access Data Centres, highlighting the growing demand for high-capacity digital infrastructure in the country. 

The Federal Government is also pursuing Project BRIDGE, an initiative designed to facilitate the deployment of about 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The project is being structured as a partnership between government and private investors and is expected to improve broadband connectivity while creating opportunities for further investment in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The government’s recently introduced National Digital Cloud Policy further supports the investment drive by creating a framework for the development of cloud computing and data infrastructure. The policy seeks to attract both domestic and international investors, strengthen Nigeria’s local hosting capacity and establish the country as a regional hub for digital services.