Huawei Technologies, a global leader in ICT infrastructure, is poised to launch its first data centre in Nigeria by October 31, 2024, marking a significant step in supporting the country’s local data storage needs. The new facility, dubbed a ‘cloud site,’ is designed to provide businesses with cloud computing and data storage solutions tailored to Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
Speaking at the Lagos Fintech Week, David Olaiya, Head of Cloud Fintech Business Development at Huawei Nigeria, confirmed the company’s plans, citing Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) as a driving force behind the move. The NDPR mandates that Nigerian user data must be stored locally, a rule many businesses struggle to meet when using foreign cloud services that frequently move data across borders.
Huawei’s Nigerian cloud site will be integrated into its existing global cloud network, particularly linking with data centres in South Africa and Ireland. This local infrastructure is expected to enhance data sovereignty, improve availability, and reduce latency, which will be a boon for businesses, particularly fintech companies that must adhere to stringent data protection standards.
Olaiya emphasized that the launch will ensure compliance with local regulations and address data sovereignty concerns, enabling companies to maintain sensitive information within Nigeria. The facility will also feature dedicated support teams in Nigeria, augmenting Huawei’s 24/7 global service.
Currently, Huawei Cloud operates in 33 regions globally with 93 availability zones, but in Africa, only South Africa and Egypt host data centre regions. In Egypt, Huawei has partnered with Telecom Egypt to establish a public cloud platform as part of the nation’s digital transformation efforts.
This Nigerian expansion comes on the heels of Huawei’s April 2024 announcement to support 100 local startups with cloud resources over the next two years. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government, in a parallel effort, is set to launch its own 1.4-petabyte data centre to store critical national data, underscoring the growing demand for localized data storage solutions in the country.
