AFRIDATA and USTDA sign $1.87m grant for Nigerian data centre study

AFRIDATA, a pan-African digital infrastructure platform, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have signed a $1.87 million grant agreement to fund a feasibility study for a proposed data centre project in Nigeria.

The project, which is estimated to cost between $650 million and $1 billion, aims to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and secure digital infrastructure. This initiative is part of a larger continental digital infrastructure platform valued at up to $3 billion.

AFRIDATA plans to establish a flagship data centre in Lagos, potentially within the Lagos Free Zone, designed to meet Tier IV reliability standards. A second facility is planned for Delta state to provide backup services and disaster recovery support. The feasibility study will evaluate technical and financial requirements, including connectivity and electricity supply.

Stakeholders noted that the investment could support economic growth across West Africa and create thousands of jobs. USTDA officials emphasized that the project will strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and provide opportunities for American companies in the region's expanding technology market.