U.S., Nigeria Sign $2M Grant to Advance Tech Infrastructure

The United States and Nigeria have formalized an agreement that includes a grant of $2.095 million to evaluate the feasibility of deploying 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria.

This announcement was made at the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue in Washington, D.C., where Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell hosted a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

This initiative is part of the U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, which focuses on strengthening bilateral cooperation, fostering innovation, and enhancing collaboration in critical technology sectors. Funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the project aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025. Its goal is to boost broadband penetration from 42.27% to 70% and ensure affordable, reliable broadband access for at least 90% of Nigeria’s population.

The dialogue provided a platform for both nations to explore opportunities and tackle challenges in digital transformation. It aimed to advance the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative by fostering investment, enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity, and promoting the development of digital skills and talent.

Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell stressed that the initiative would play a pivotal role in enhancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and connectivity, both critical to driving the nation’s economic growth. He further underscored the project’s alignment with Nigeria’s broader objectives of fostering digital skills development and nurturing local talent.

During the dialogue, U.S. and Nigerian representatives discussed key initiatives to strengthen their digital economies. The agenda included enhancing the security and resilience of critical services, fostering digital trade and e-commerce, and advancing innovation-driven economic growth. Additionally, the discussions prioritized workforce development to align with digital age demands, expanding AI partnerships through capacity building and ethical governance and promoting information integrity in the digital landscape.

Both governments also committed to a virtual expert exchange on AI-driven biotechnology, aimed at exploring its potential to tackle global health and food security challenges, with a specific focus on addressing needs in sub-Saharan Africa.