Huawei Technologies, a Chinese information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure provider, has unveiled plans to launch a significant new data centre in Nigeria, a move that is expected to bolster the country’s cloud infrastructure and support its growing digital economy.

Server racks in server room data center

This announcement was made by David Olaiya, head of Cloud Fintech Business Development for Huawei Nigeria, during Nigeria Fintech Week, in Lagos.

The new data centre is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for tech innovation in West Africa.

Scheduled to become fully operational by October 31, 2024, the facility, called ‘Cloud Site’ is designed to provide comprehensive data storage and computing services.

By keeping data within Nigeria’s borders, this initiative aims to align with the country’s data protection policies, which mandate that all user data be stored locally.

This is especially critical for sectors like finance and telecommunications, where data security is paramount.

Many Nigerian businesses, particularly those that have relied on international cloud services, often face compliance challenges when it comes to storing and processing sensitive user data.

These companies have had to send their data across borders, raising concerns about data security and regulatory adherence.

The launch of Huawei’s data centre aims to directly address these issues by allowing businesses to manage their data domestically, ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

“This centre ensures data sovereignty, offering Nigerian businesses a competitive advantage by keeping sensitive information within the country,” Olaiya stated.

The launch of the data centre comes amid the growing influence of Huawei’s cloud services among Nigerian banks. Reports have emerged that major Nigerian banks including UBA Zenith Bank, Opay, First Bank and others are opting for Huawei’s cloud storage solutions, positioning it as a strong competitor to IBM, which has been a longtime leader in banking technology in Nigeria. The shift by these banks reflects the rising trust in Huawei’s cloud capabilities and its growing influence within the financial sector.

Olaiya also emphasized that the new centre will offer more than just local data storage. It is expected to significantly reduce latency, providing faster access to cloud services, which is crucial for real-time operations such as digital payments and mobile banking.

In addition to data compliance, he noted that the centre will be backed by local technical expertise, which will be key in providing timely support to Nigerian enterprises. Huawei plans to have a dedicated team on the ground, alongside its global 24/7 support infrastructure. This combination of local and global resources promises to deliver seamless service, enabling companies to troubleshoot issues more efficiently and reduce the risks associated with downtime or technical failures.

While this is a milestone for Huawei, Nigeria already hosts data centres from global tech giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

However, Huawei’s entry into the local cloud landscape is poised to bring additional benefits.

The ‘Cloud Site’ will be part of Huawei’s extensive global network, which spans 93 availability zones in 33 regions around the world, including existing data centres in South Africa and Egypt.

The Nigerian data centre will be linked to Huawei’s other key locations, including facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Dublin, Ireland.

This global integration is expected to not only serve as a critical resource for established businesses in Nigeria, but also to support Africa’s digital transformation in broader terms, creating new opportunities for startups, especially in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI), where local data processing can drive innovation.

In a related initiative, Huawei Cloud announced in April 2024 its plan to support 100 Nigerian startups over the next two years.

This commitment includes providing these startups with cloud resources and technical assistance to help them scale their operations and bring new products to market.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has also demonstrated its commitment to data infrastructure, with plans to inaugurate a national data centre by May 2024.

This facility, which will have a storage capacity of 1.4 petabytes, is intended to securely store critical national data, including biometric information of Nigerian citizens.

Overall, Huawei’s entry into Nigeria’s data centre market is set to complement these efforts, further establishing the country as a regional leader in cloud computing and data services.

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is preparing to issue a revised corporate governance code, updating the 2016 version with a key focus on the introduction of mandatory sustainability reporting for telecom operators, according to Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the commission.

Maida said that the initiative is aimed at aligning the sector with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, promoting greater transparency and supporting sustainable development within Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.

He, disclosed this during his address at the 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference in Lagos, State, themed “Corporate Survival and Sustainability: The New Face of Governance.”

The sustainability reporting involves organisations disclosing information about their ESG performance.

This practice provides stakeholders—including investors, customers, and regulators—with insights into how telecom operators manage risks and opportunities related to sustainability. Key components include reporting on carbon emissions, resource usage, labour practices, community engagement, and data privacy.

Maida emphasized the importance of sustainability in corporate governance, highlighting that “such practices are no longer optional but essential for the long-term success of telecom companies.”

He presented findings from a comprehensive NCC analysis evaluating corporate governance among telecom operators. Key indicators examined included board composition, diversity, effectiveness, ethical conduct, compliance, risk management, and corporate social responsibility.

The analysis revealed a strong correlation between effective governance and regulatory compliance, with companies not excelling in governance facing poor financial performance.

The weekend is finally here, and it’s time to let loose and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Whether you’re planning to chill with friends, groove at a party, or simply relax at home, having the right soundtrack is essential. Bringing back some of the greatest hits, to help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the top eight Afrobeats songs that will set the perfect mood for your weekend.

“Rush” by Ayra Starr:

Imagine yourself in a place full of energy, and then Ayra Starr’s Rush starts playing. You feel uplifted, vibes, and ready to show your moves.

Rush is a popular song by Ayra Starr, released in 2022. The song is an inspiring Afrobeat song about loving yourself, believing in yourself, and being your best self.

“Last Last” by Burna Boy:

Last Last is a hit song by Burna Boy, released in 2022, The lyrics address heartbreak moving on, and Perseverance through life’s challenges, this made it so relatable among individuals, bringing back mixed feelings and memories.

The song gained massive attention globally, topping charts in Nigeria, the UK, and the US. It’s considered one of Burna Boy’s best works. If you want to Dance your worries away You can stream Last Last using the MTN Apple Music Flexa Bundle at an affordable price.

“Monalisa” by Lojay & Sarz

Monalisa by Lojay and Sarz is an unstoppable Afrobeat song, This duo combines Lojay’s soothing vocals with Sarz’s energetic beats, creating a cool sound that will keep you moving.  The song makes you move your body and sparks your imagination. Craving for more of Lojay? MTN Apple Music Flexa Bundle has made it easier.

“Finesse” by Pheelz ft. BNXN:

Finesse is an addictive street anthem that got stuck in everyone’s head, this Afrobeat banger is all about owning your style and living your best life on your terms. As BNXN  says If I broke na my business, your financial struggles are yours to handle, and nobody else’s business.

Pheelz’s beats blend perfectly with BNXN’s vocals, creating an energetic anthem that refuses to be ignored.

“Essence” by Wizkid ft. Terms:

This masterpiece is perfect for those unforgettable moments. Imagine a calm evening with the stars perfectly aligned, and the person you long for is right beside you. It’s incredibly peaceful, right? That’s the vibe WizKid and Tems capture in their collaboration, Essence.

Essence has taken Afrobeat globally by topping Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. Remember you can always stream with MTN Apple Music Flexa Bundle by using airtime to subscribe. Let WizKid and Tems’ voices transport you to a world of love and desire.

“Baddest Boy” Skibii ft. Davido:

Skiibii brings his energy, while Davido adds his swag. Together, they created a good vibe that’ll keep you moving. This track is perfect for a night out with friends, dancing, and living life to the fullest. Baddest Boy is the  Afrobeat party anthem, designed to get you moving and grooving. Stream seamlessly with MTN’s Apple Music Flexa Bundle and join the party.

“High” by Adekunle Gold ft. Davido:

Adekunle Gold and Davido’s High is a motivational anthem, sipping your Hennessy 250 and letting go of your worries. That’s what this addictive track is all about. The song’s inspiring lyrics create a motivational vibe, encouraging listeners to reach for their dreams and never give up.

With the MTN Flexa bundle, you can use your MTN airtime to stream these tracks on Apple Music and keep your weekend soundtrack fresh and exciting. So, get your playlists ready, hit play, and let the music set the perfect mood for your weekend!

To sign up, simply visit MTN Play, use the myMTN app on your mobile device, or visit the official MTN website at http://www.mtn.ng/  or “Music 1” to 8000 or dial 3121*9# or 3058# to select your preferred bundle plan.