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The telecommunications regulator and industry players in Nigeria have urged immediate cooperation to establish Africa’s artificial intelligence infrastructure, cautioning that the continent could lag in the AI-powered global economy if it fails to develop local expertise.

The call arrives at a moment when the global adoption of AI is rapidly increasing, as the United States, China, and the European Union are making significant investments in large-scale data centers, cutting-edge chips, and independent AI models.

The issues were discussed at a recent high-level online meeting organized by Africa Hyperscalers, which gathered regulators, telecom companies, cloud service providers, large-scale data centers, and pioneers in emerging technologies.

The gathering explored what Africa needs to develop in order to thrive in an AI-based economy, with emphasis on computational resources, cloud systems, fast connectivity, reliable electricity, regulation, and qualified human resources, which are seen as fundamental for supporting contemporary AI operations.

Delivering the keynote speech, titled “AI-Ready Africa: Establishing the Compute, Cloud, and Connectivity Infrastructure for the Next Digital Advance,” Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, stated that AI has become “a fundamental component of competitiveness, similar to roads, electricity, and ports.”

He highlighted that nations which establish the proper groundwork “will unlock increased productivity, additional employment, and new possibilities,” whereas those that fail to do so “will end up relying on others’ innovations rather than creating their own.”

The leader pointed out Africa’s most pressing deficiencies, such as the computational gap, the algorithmic gap, and the data gap. He emphasized the significance of data managed locally and AI models tailored to African contexts.

The head of the NCC emphasized the commission’s dedication to expanding connectivity, establishing open-access systems, embracing cloud technology, developing data centers, ensuring cybersecurity, and implementing flexible regulations, while stating that “the digital future is a shared future.”

Africa is home to more than 210 data centres, with 46 percent located in four major markets, among them Nigeria. Nigeria has approximately 21 operational centres, and almost two-thirds of these are situated in Lagos. Although there has been growth, the country’s overall data-centre capacity reached only 56.1 MW in 2025, and experts indicate that it must expand nearly four times by 2030 to keep up with increasing digital needs.

The head of the Association of Telecommunications Companies in Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, stated that artificial intelligence is no longer merely a theoretical concept within the telecommunications industry.

He highlighted that businesses are increasingly applying AI in real-world applications such as forecasting potential failures in network hardware (predictive maintenance), enhancing customer interactions, optimizing network performance, and evaluating operations to support more informed choices.

However, he also cautioned that these advantages will not be completely achieved unless telecommunications firms collaborate more closely. Without cooperation, Nigeria and Africa as a whole face the possibility of lagging behind other regions that are quickly embracing AI.

The event also included a keynote panel titled “Building the Right Infrastructure for AI-Driven Telecom Networks,” which was led by CEO Dr. Ayotunde Coker of Open Access Data Centres. The panelists comprised Bukola Ajayi, General Manager, Architecture and Enterprise IT at MTN Nigeria; Kendall Ananyi, CEO of Tizeti; Oladejo Olawumi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions at NITDA; Mike Salem, VP/Chief Information Security Officer and Group Head of AI at IHS Towers; Wilson Eigbadon, Regional Account Manager at Vertiv; Engr. Babagana Digima, Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at NCC; and Dotun Adeoye, Co-Founder of AI in Nigeria.

The Head of Architecture and Enterprise IT at MTN Nigeria, Bukola Ajayi, emphasized that nations with the most robust infrastructure practices will take the lead in AI, highlighting that energy and connectivity continue to be key facilitators.

The executive highlighted that data centres prepared for AI need continuous uptime, liquid cooling systems, and strong networks, cautioning that “without connectivity, discussing AI is pointless.”

In the power challenge, Wilson Eigbadon, Regional Account Manager at Vertiv, stated that Africa is stepping into an era where “data center opportunities will need to generate their own power,” highlighting new gas corridors and decentralized power policies as key to more dependable energy.

The head of Open Access Data Centres, Dr Ayotunde Coker, noted that global patterns indicate even developed markets “are now seeking small nuclear reactors” with the growth of AI processing demands.

A key focus area was the advancement of talent. Dotun Adeoye, co-founder of AI in Nigeria, pointed out that since 63 percent of Nigerians are under 25, “the future relies on how early we prepare the next generation,” advocating for organized AI clubs, collaboration between industry and universities, and hands-on training that matches actual infrastructure settings.

“Regardless of how much we discuss infrastructure or data, we will require local expertise to lead this effort,” he stated.

The importance of teamwork was consistently highlighted by various speakers. Mike Salem, Vice President/Chief Information Security Officer and Group Head of AI at IHS Towers, stated that Africa’s advancement depends on “infrastructure providers, carriers, hyperscalers, government, and investors functioning as an ecosystem,” emphasizing that “no single company can develop AI infrastructure independently; collaboration is essential.”

Director Oladejo Olawumi, IT Infrastructure Solutions at NITDA, emphasized the significance of data sovereignty, stating, “data is the currency that AI operates on,” and cautioned that Africa needs to keep its strategic datasets localized, reliable, and compatible.

The session provided a unique multi-sector perspective on Africa’s preparedness for AI, analyzing infrastructure shortfalls, funding requirements, and policy structures necessary to enable large-scale AI operations. Backed by Vertiv and ATCON, the event highlighted increased coordination among government bodies, service providers, and tech executives in laying the groundwork for the continent’s AI development.

Africa Hyperscalers keeps promoting the cooperation essential for enhancing Africa’s digital foundation in data centers, cloud services, connectivity, power systems, and AI infrastructure.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).