Amazon Web Services (AWS) has reiterated its commitment to significantly expand its presence and commitment to Nigeria’s technological evolution, and digital economy.
Uwem Ukpong, vice president, Global Services, AWS, highlighted this strategic move in a recent media round table in Lagos, indicating that leadership and insights are pivotal in AWS’s initiatives to integrate and evolve Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and services.
He disclosed that at the heart of AWS’s increased involvement in Nigeria is the recent meeting between the AWS management team and Kashim Shettima, vice president, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Accordingly, the meeting is to play a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for a collaborative effort towards digital transformation in Nigeria.
“It was a privilege and honour to meet his excellency, the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima and discuss strategies around digital transformation. The vice president shared some key insights and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to strengthening the economy and welcoming new investment opportunities in this dispensation,” Ukpong said.
He disclosed that the vice president provided invaluable insights and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to not only strengthening Nigeria’s economy but also embracing new investment opportunities in technology and innovation.
Leveraging his Nigerian heritage and extensive experience in spearheading technological initiatives across Africa, Ukpong expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception by Ibrahim Hadejia, the deputy chief of staff, and the entire team. He emphasized the significance of the high-level engagement as a major step forward in working closely with the Nigerian government to deliver on its promise of a renewed and hopeful future.
According to Ukpong, AWS’s investment in Nigeria encompasses not only technological infrastructure but also a strong commitment to human capital development. Recognizing the importance of skill-building in the digital age, AWS has made significant strides in training and upskilling the Nigerian workforce.
Initiatives such as AWS Academy, AWS re/Start, and AWS Educate have been fundamental in training over 50,000 Nigerians in cloud technologies since 2017. These educational programmes are crucial in equipping the Nigerian workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The economic impact of AWS’s cloud technology in Nigeria is significant and far-reaching. A study by Telecom Advisory Services, sponsored by AWS, indicates that cloud adoption contributed an impressive N082.9 billion to Nigeria’s GDP in 2021. This impact is not confined to direct users of AWS’s technology but extends across the broader Nigerian economy, illustrating the transformative power of cloud computing.
AWS’s investments and innovations in Nigeria are indicative of a strategic shift towards a cloud-first future. Key developments, such as establishing Nigeria’s first CloudFront Edge Location and the launch of Amazon Q, highlight AWS’s long-term vision and commitment to Nigeria. Ukpong disclosed that these initiatives are not merely responses to current digital requirements but are strategically designed to shape Nigeria’s future technological landscape.
As Nigeria progresses in its digital transformation journey, Ukpong disclosed that AWS’s involvement has become a catalyst for change. He stated that the blend of technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and commitment to skills development positions AWS as a key player in shaping a cloud-enabled future for Nigeria. According to him, this future, powered by AWS’s cloud computing, promises increased efficiency, innovation, and economic growth, reflecting the transformative potential of digital technology.
