U.S. and Nigeria Partner to Expand Broadband Access with $2 Million Grant

In a significant move to boost Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, the U.S. and Nigerian governments have signed a $2,095,000 grant to assess the feasibility of deploying at least 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across the country. The announcement was made during the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., on January 10, 2025.

The event, led by U.S. Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell and a senior Nigerian delegation headed by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, provided a crucial platform for both nations to address opportunities and challenges in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“The United States and Nigeria signed a new $2,095,000 grant to assess the viability of the deployment of at least 90,000 km of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria,” a joint statement confirmed.

Funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the grant directly supports Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025. This plan aims to increase broadband penetration from the current 42.27% to 70%, ultimately ensuring that at least 90% of Nigeria’s population has access to affordable and reliable broadband coverage.

Deputy Secretary Campbell underscored the importance of the partnership, emphasizing that the project will significantly improve digital infrastructure and connectivity, both of which are vital for Nigeria’s continued economic growth. He also highlighted the initiative’s role in supporting Nigeria’s broader objectives of digital skills development and talent cultivation.

Beyond Broadband: Expanding Digital Cooperation

The dialogue extended beyond broadband infrastructure, with both delegations engaging in discussions on several key topics designed to strengthen their respective digital economies. These discussions focused on:

• Enhancing resilience and security: Strengthening critical services and facilities against cyber threats and other disruptions.
• Promoting digital trade and e-commerce: Fostering innovation-driven economic growth through expanded digital trade and e-commerce opportunities.
• Developing a skilled workforce: Investing in training and education to meet the growing demands of the digital age.
• Expanding AI partnership: Focusing on capacity building, infrastructure development, and rights-respecting governance approaches to AI, while also promoting information integrity within the digital ecosystem.

Public-Private Collaboration and AI’s Role

Following the intergovernmental dialogue, a roundtable discussion hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce brought together over 25 U.S. and Nigerian companies from sectors including AI, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, fintech, and cybersecurity. These discussions explored opportunities for public-private partnerships to drive innovation and digital talent development through U.S.-Nigeria commercial collaborations.

A dedicated panel also explored the vital role of critical infrastructure in advancing AI, examining how robust infrastructure and effective governance frameworks can drive the deployment of emerging technologies for inclusive growth.

Looking ahead, both governments have agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology. This exchange will focus on how AI and biotechnology can be leveraged to address global health and food security challenges, with a particular emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. This multifaceted collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria signals a strong commitment to fostering digital innovation and inclusive growth in the region.