NITDA and IDCA partner to improve AI data centres in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a strategic partnership with the International Data Centre Authority (IDCA) to develop the digital AI infrastructure needed to support Nigeria’s sovereign cloud initiative and position the country as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

The agreement, announced in Abuja on Tuesday, creates a unified national program. This program combines infrastructure development, the creation of regulatory standards, and employee training. The central element of this program is the Nigeria Digital Triangle.

This is a network of large-scale, AI-powered data centres. These centres will support cloud computing and business operations, attract private investment, and form the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy.

This initiative comprises four main components: a detailed plan for the country’s digital economy with specific objectives; connected, large-scale digital centres; digital standards that align with international best practices; and a training and education system designed to develop local skills for the future.

NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa described the partnership as a defining moment for Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“By prioritising digital infrastructure, talent development, data sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, Nigeria is laying a strong foundation for sustainable infrastructure growth, job creation, and global competitiveness,” he said.

Mehdi Paryavi, Chairman of IDCA, framed the initiative as something beyond a national project. “This is a platform for long-term economic value creation,” he said, adding that by integrating infrastructure, standards, and talent development with investment and sound policymaking, Nigeria is building a competitive advantage in the global digital economy.

NITDA says the project will take 3 years to deliver

This program will take three years to complete. During that time, we will have specific goals and work with government organisations, businesses, and international groups. The goal is to generate revenue from both government and private investors. The Nigeria Digital Triangle is meant to be a place where global cloud companies and businesses can invest and grow their operations in Africa.

IDCA’s Chief Research Officer, Roger Strukhoff, said the approach is what sets the initiative apart. “This is a structured, investment-ready approach that aligns strategy with execution and global best practices,” he said.

The partnership focuses heavily on people, not just technology. Developing a skilled workforce is considered essential, like building roads or power grids. A nationwide training program will be created to ensure Nigerians gain the skills needed to develop, manage, and expand the country’s digital economy.

The agency also noted that nationally endorsed standards implemented alongside physical infrastructure would ensure regulatory consistency, data security, and long-term sustainability.

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Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, and the agreement signals an intent to translate that position into digital leadership on the continent.