…Empowering digital sovereignty
By Chinenye Anuforo
Huawei, a global technology leader, has made a significant stride in Nigeria’s digital landscape by unveiling the country’s inaugural hyperscale local cloud. This groundbreaking initiative positions Huawei as the first international cloud provider to offer such advanced services within Nigeria.
Powered by Tier 3+ data centers, this new local cloud delivers ultra-fast services with a mere 15-millisecond latency. By ensuring that data storage and computing resources remain within Nigeria’s borders, Huawei directly benefits local businesses, particularly fintech companies that must adhere to stringent data protection regulations.
During the launch event, themed “Leap Now With A Better Cloud,” held in Lagos State, Huawei Nigeria CEO Chris Lu emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy. He highlighted the benefits of storing data within the country, citing improved security, performance, and compliance with local regulations.
The CEO emphasized the challenges associated with traditional cloud solutions, where data is often stored in remote locations like Ireland. This can lead to potential security risks, latency issues, and compliance hurdles.
“While cloud computing offers numerous benefits, data security remains a concern. Many major cloud providers store data in locations outside of Nigeria, raising concerns about data privacy and outages due to geographical distance.”
To address these concerns, Huawei has invested in a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. By doing so, the company aims to empower Nigerian businesses to leverage advanced cloud technology while ensuring their data remains within the country’s borders.
“Here at Huawei, we understand the importance of data security and digital sovereignty. That’s why we’ve chosen to build a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. We’re not alone in this approach – other providers are building local clouds in Kenya and South Africa.
Our decision to invest in a Nigerian cloud goes beyond just market potential. We believe in working with local partners to develop applications and digital services that cater to Nigerian businesses and consumers.”
The CEO further explained that a local cloud offers significant performance advantages. Reduced latency, resulting from storing and processing data locally, can lead to faster response times and a smoother user experience.
“Having your data stored in Nigeria provides peace of mind. Your data remains within the country, adhering to local regulations and enhancing data security. Additionally, a local cloud offers significantly lower latency compared to data centers located thousands of kilometers away. This translates to better performance and a seamless user experience for your customers.”
Roc Bai, Vice President of Huawei Cloud Sub-Saharan Africa, introduced Huawei Cloud’s latest technologies, including Huawei Cloud Stack 8.5, cloud-native databases, and large AI models. He underscored the significance of local cloud architecture for digital transformation, stating, “Enterprises need innovative solutions to address the challenges of industry transformation.”
Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, praised the initiative as a transformative achievement for Nigeria. He highlighted the critical role of cloud technology in driving economic growth, innovation, and national security.
The deputy governor emphasized the need to prioritize data security and privacy by storing data within the country. By leveraging local cloud solutions, Nigeria can reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and mitigate potential security risks.
“As we embark on this digital revolution, it is imperative to prioritize data sovereignty and cybersecurity. By leveraging local cloud solutions, we can ensure that our data remains within our borders, safeguarding our digital assets and promoting national security.”
Additionally, he called on technology companies to invest in local infrastructure and collaborate with Nigerian businesses to develop innovative solutions that address local needs. “Nigeria’s strategic location, coupled with a rapidly growing digital economy, makes it an attractive destination for cloud infrastructure investment. We encourage global technology companies to partner with Nigerian businesses and institutions to develop innovative solutions that address local needs.”, he said.
Corroborating, The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) emphasized the need for a strategic approach to cloud computing in Nigeria.
In his Goodwill message the DG, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullah I represented by Emmanuel Edet, Acting Director, Regulation and Compliance, NITDA highlighted the transformative potential of cloud technology while urging caution and a focus on data sovereignty.
The agency noted the rapid growth of the cloud market in Nigeria, with projections indicating significant expansion in the coming years. While this presents a significant opportunity, NITDA stressed the importance of aligning digital strategies with local interests and building robust infrastructure to support the burgeoning cloud ecosystem.
“Ensuring the ownership, control, and security of our digital resources is not just a technological improvement, it is a matter of national importance. We must foster a legal framework that encourages indigenous participation in the cloud sector.”
He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic location and supportive government as key factors attracting cloud infrastructure investment. NITDA urged collaboration among stakeholders to develop policies, invest in local capabilities, and foster partnerships to solidify Nigeria’s position as a regional and global cloud leader.
The Huawei Cloud Summit brought together industry leaders, government officials, and technology experts to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in cloud computing. The event focused on topics such as cloud security, data privacy, and the potential of AI and machine learning in the cloud