UK Firm Bets on Distributed AI Infrastructure with 50,000 Smart Lamps in Nigeria
Digitnomics 
By Francisca Okoye,
A UK-based technology company is advancing a new approach to digital infrastructure in Nigeria, proposing a network of solar-powered smart streetlights embedded with computing capacity to support artificial intelligence workloads.
Warwickshire-headquartered Conflow Power Group Limited (CPG) has signed an agreement with Katsina State to deploy 50,000 intelligent lampposts, each equipped with low-power processors designed to handle AI tasks at the edge.
Turning Streetlights into Compute Nodes
The company’s iLamp system combines solar panels, battery storage, and embedded chips to create a distributed network of computing nodes.
According to CPG, when connected at scale, the units can function as a distributed AI data centre, offering processing capacity without relying on traditional, grid-powered facilities.
The system is built around energy-efficient chips from NVIDIA, capable of operating on roughly 15 watts making them suitable for solar-powered environments.
Edge Computing, Not Hyperscale Replacement
Industry experts say the model is better suited to edge computing applications rather than replacing conventional data centres.
While distributed systems can support lighter workloads and bring processing closer to users, training advanced AI models still requires the concentrated power and speed of large-scale data centres.
Latency and communication constraints between nodes may also limit performance for complex tasks, analysts note.
Surveillance and Smart Infrastructure Capabilities
Beyond computing, the smart lampposts are designed to support multiple public infrastructure functions.
Each unit can be fitted with AI-enabled cameras capable of:
detecting traffic violations, monitoring speeding and seatbelt compliance
Enabling number plate recognition
The system may also support broader surveillance features, including facial recognition, though such capabilities raise concerns around privacy, bias, and data governance.
CPG says deployments will be subject to regulatory approvals and compliance with applicable laws.
Hybrid Revenue Model Linking AI and Public Services
The project introduces a dual revenue model built around both AI infrastructure and public-sector enforcement.
Processing capacity from the network will be leased to AI companies
The deployment is expected to be financed through green bonds
Katsina State will generate revenue from traffic enforcement
Under the agreement, CPG is expected to receive a 20% share of enforcement-related revenue after an initial three-year period.
Katsina Positioned as Early Deployment Hub
Katsina State will serve as the primary deployment site, with officials highlighting potential benefits including improved public safety, enhanced connectivity, and new revenue streams.
An assembly facility for the iLamp units is also planned within the state, which could support local manufacturing and job creation.
Energy Efficiency Driving the Model
The proposal comes at a time when the energy demands of AI infrastructure are rising globally.
By relying on solar power, the iLamp system aims to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources while expanding access to computing capacity.
However, analysts say such distributed systems are likely to complement rather than replace existing data centre infrastructure, particularly for high-performance computing needs.
Digitnomics Insight
The deployment signals growing interest in distributed and edge-based computing models, particularly in emerging markets where infrastructure gaps persist. While not a substitute for hyperscale data centres, such systems could extend AI capabilities closer to users—reshaping how digital infrastructure is deployed and monetised.