Huawei, a global technological infrastructure and smart devices provider, has officially launched its local cloud service in Nigeria and is set to offer enhanced data sovereignty, reduced latency, and bolstered support for local businesses, aligning with Nigeria’s regulatory environment and digital transformation goals.
This was unveiled at a launch event, themed “Leap Now with a Better Cloud,” held in Lagos.
Chris Lu, CEO of Huawei, Nigeria, revealed that the local cloud service ensures that sensitive data remains within national borders, adhering to Nigeria’s data protection policies. He said,
“Some investors decided to invest and have their local cloud in Kenya and South Africa, but Huawei is committed to building our own cloud in Nigeria, where we can serve our customers much better with more security.”
According to him also, Huawei Cloud provides the fastest services in Nigeria with a latency of just 15ms, utilizing Tier 3+ data centers. These centers offer data storage and compute resources tailored for local businesses and sectors, ensuring that all data remains within Nigeria.
The Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Hugo Hu, outlined the benefits of the local cloud, indicating that they include provision of Nigerian businesses with faster and more reliable access to cloud resources and ensuring that sensitive data remains within national borders, adhering to Nigeria’s data protection policies.
“We identified that there are many startups and SMEs in Nigeria, especially Lagos, so we created a platform where you can register for free, submit your proposal and if it meets our requirements, you can earn grants for 1-3years to support and grow your business for free,” he said.
Furthermore, he revealed that the local cloud also enables bolstered support for local businesses which aligns with Nigeria’s regulatory environment and digital transformation goals.
Dotun Adekunle, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Opay Nigeria, commended Huawei’s commitment to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem being that it extends beyond infrastructure and the company plans to support 100 Nigerian startups over the next two years, fostering innovation and growth within the sector. He said,
“Huawei is the cloud service provider that has partnered with Opay to deliver some of the services that we deliver to the market, so we rely on them for service support and provision so that we can keep doing what we do to the masses of the market and the street of Nigeria.”
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, lauded Huawei’s contribution to the tech ecosystem in Nigeria over the past 25 years, stating that Lagos data solutions and startups have already been in acceleratory growth with support from Lagos State Government. He said,
“It is about us being able to control our destinies better. The cloud reflects our aspirations as a country. The theme is a call to action to individuals and businesses to be adaptable to global changes. We are in a situation whereby tech is no longer optional but necessary for our advancement.”
He also encouraged Nigerians to embrace technology saying,
“This development enhances global security. It allows us to nurture local talents. I encourage us all to embrace innovative solutions.”
The event was attended by key stakeholders, government officials and notable figures, including the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Bar. Emmanuel Edet.
Huawei has partnered with local telecommunications firms to expand 5G coverage, marking a significant milestone in its African growth strategy and paving the way for smart city projects and improved digital connectivity.
Additionally, Huawei has rolled out programs to train African professionals in emerging tech skills. In Nigeria alone, the company plans to support the training of thousands of individuals by 2027, ensuring that the local workforce is prepared to navigate and contribute to the digital economy.
