Itana, Nigeria’s licensed digital special economic zone, has launched what it describes as Africa’s first full-stack growth zone for artificial intelligence (AI) and data companies.
The initiative, according to Itana, is expected to provide local access to GPU clusters, compliant data storage, MLOps talent, and regulatory support infrastructure.
Mayowa Olugbile, chief executive officer of Itana, said the growth zone was conceived to close the gap preventing Africa from fully tapping the opportunities of AI.
“Africa has many of the problems AI was made to solve, but lacks the infrastructure needed to harness the potential of AI," he said.
The project is backed by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), which is financing the first phase valued at $100 million. Itana said the facility would serve as a continental hub for startups, infrastructure providers, and investors.
The launch comes as global powers ramp up their investment in AI infrastructure. In August, the US approved new subsidies for semiconductor and GPU production. The European Union also announced multiple funding initiatives aimed at boosting its AI infrastructure, including a project in the Baltic region involving a €3 billion plan for an "AI Gigafactory".
Itana’s move follows other milestones this year. In June, it began developing its physical base in Alaro City, within the Lekki Free Zone. On September 4, it opened applications for its Digital Residency Launchpad for African and diaspora founders, and on May 30, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the ministry of industry, trade and investment under the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), aimed at creating 100,000 skilled jobs.
