The Katsina State Government has signed a landmark agreement with UK-based green technology company Conflow Power Group Limited to deploy 50,000 solar-powered smart streetlights embedded with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across the state.
The initiative, described as one of the first of its kind in Africa, is expected to position Katsina at the forefront of distributed AI infrastructure by combining street lighting, edge computing, surveillance, and public connectivity into a single integrated system.
At the heart of the project is iLamp, a solar-powered smart lighting solution equipped with low-power computing chips capable of handling AI-driven tasks. When connected as a network, these lampposts are designed to function collectively as a decentralised data centre—distributing computing power across thousands of units instead of relying on a single facility.
Chairman of Conflow Power Group, Edward Fitzpatrick, said the innovation offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional data centres, which consume large amounts of electricity and water.
He noted that each iLamp is powered by cylindrical solar panels and energy-efficient chips, including those developed by NVIDIA, enabling AI processing at minimal power levels.
Beyond illumination, the smart lampposts will support a range of urban applications, including AI-enabled cameras for traffic monitoring and public safety. The system is expected to detect violations such as speeding, illegal parking, and seatbelt non-compliance, while also potentially offering public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, subject to regulatory approvals.
Special Adviser on Power and Energy to the Katsina State Governor, Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmad, described the project as a major milestone in the state’s digital transformation drive.
According to him, the deployment will enhance security, improve urban management, and create new revenue streams through AI-powered services and technology-driven traffic enforcement.
“Today, Katsina becomes home to one of Africa’s most advanced distributed AI systems, delivering safer streets, real-time monitoring, and new economic opportunities,” he said.
Under the agreement, revenue generated from leasing computing capacity on the iLamp network to AI firms and digital service providers will help fund the project, while the state is also expected to earn from enforcement systems linked to the platform.
As part of the deal, an assembly plant for the iLamp units will be established in Katsina, boosting local manufacturing, job creation, and technology transfer. Initial production will take place in Morocco, Taiwan, and Latvia before transitioning to local assembly.
Industry analysts note that while the technology is unlikely to replace large-scale traditional data centres, it could complement them by supporting edge computing—bringing processing closer to users, reducing latency, and lowering reliance on grid-powered infrastructure.
The project comes amid increasing global focus on the environmental impact of AI systems, with governments and tech companies seeking more sustainable ways to power digital infrastructure.
With this move, Katsina joins a growing number of regions exploring smart city innovations, potentially positioning Nigeria as an early adopter in Africa’s evolving AI ecosystem.
