AWS, a leading cloud computing platform, has announced that it will now accept naira payments, a significant development that could shake up Nigeria's cloud computing landscape. This move is expected to have far-reaching implications for local cloud providers, startups, and the broader tech ecosystem in Nigeria.

The decision comes at a time when Nigerian startups are grappling with the high costs of cloud computing, which have been exacerbated by currency devaluation. With cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud pricing their services in dollars, the costs of cloud computing have increased significantly for Nigerian startups. For instance, a $1,000 cloud service that would have cost ₦458,000 in early 2023 now costs ₦1.52 million, a 107% increase.

Local cloud providers, such as Okra, Nobus MainOne Cloud, Web4Africa, and Layer3, have been positioning themselves as alternatives to global cloud players, touting their ability to accept local currency payments as a key selling point. However, with AWS's announcement, local providers may need to rethink their strategies and find new ways to differentiate themselves.

The impact of AWS's move is likely to be felt across the Nigerian tech ecosystem. Startups may now find it harder to justify switching to local providers solely because of pricing reasons, forcing local players to innovate or compete on other value propositions. On the other hand, AWS's acceptance of naira payments could make it easier for startups to manage their cash flow and reduce their reliance on dollar-denominated services.

The development may also inspire other global cloud players, such as Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure, to offer similar pricing in Nigeria. This could lead to increased competition in the cloud computing market, which could ultimately benefit Nigerian startups and businesses.

In related news, Sterling Bank, a tier-2 Nigerian commercial bank, has raised salaries by 7%, a move that has been met with disappointment by employees who were expecting a higher increase. The bank's wage bill is expected to increase by around ₦24.22 billion ($16.2 million) as a result of the salary raise.

Additionally, Nigeria is set to expand its fibre optic network by 90,000 kilometres, courtesy of a $2 million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). This development is expected to improve internet access in rural areas, reduce the digital divide, and create more jobs.

OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has also appointed Nigerian-born financier Adebayo Ogunlesi to its board of directors, marking a significant milestone in the global AI space. Ogunlesi's appointment is expected to have strategic implications for Africa, particularly as the continent seeks to leverage AI for development.

These developments highlight the rapidly evolving nature of Nigeria's tech ecosystem, with global players like AWS and OpenAI making significant moves in the market. As the ecosystem continues to grow and mature, it will be interesting to see how local players respond to these changes and adapt to the new landscape.