Visa To Set Up A Data Centre In Nigeria

Visa has announced an investment into the construction of a state-of-the-art data center in Nigeria. This was revealed by Visa’s regional president, Andrew Torre, during a visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

This move signals a leap forward for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and is more than just a corporate expansion. It is a strategic play to solidify Nigeria’s position in the global tech landscape. For years, Nigeria has relied on external data infrastructure. This has led to slow data processing (latency), concerns about data ownership (sovereignty), and vulnerability to disruptions outside the country.

Visa’s data center aims to solve these problems by bringing data storage and processing closer to home. This translates to faster, more reliable online transactions for everyone, from everyday consumers to large businesses.

Andrew Torre said that this project complements Visa’s existing $1 billion investment in Nigeria. This includes partnerships with Moniepoint for digital payment solutions, Interswitch, and ThriveAgric, supporting smallholder farmers and food security. The data center, however, is designed to bring new technologies to the Nigerian market, further fueling the nation’s digital economy.

Vice-President Shettima warmly welcomed Visa’s expansion, highlighting the Nigerian government’s commitment to fostering partnerships and driving digital growth. He particularly praised Visa’s investment in ThriveAgric, aligning with the government’s focus on modernizing the agriculture sector. He stated that Nigeria is where the action is noting the country’s leading position in Africa’s fintech scene.

The impact will range from faster online payments, smoother e-commerce experiences, and more reliable digital services across all sectors. This increased efficiency will stimulate economic growth and create a more robust digital ecosystem. Beyond speed, the data center addresses data sovereignty. Keeping data within Nigeria’s borders ensures greater control and security, empowering businesses and consumers alike.