The United States government has awarded a $2,095,000 grant to Nigeria to help boost the country’s digital infrastructure. The grant will be invested into deploying 90,000 kilometres of new fibre optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria.
Made available during the inaugural United States – Nigeria Technology Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., on January 10, 2025, the event was led by Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell who hosted a senior Nigerian delegation headed by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
The tech grant is funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) which aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025. The plan focuses on improving the country’s broadband penetration from 42.27% to 70%. It also aims at ensuring that no less than 90% of Nigeria’s population has access to affordable and reliable broadband coverage.
The conversation also presented an opportunity for both countries to address viable means and challenges in the digital transformation 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 fibre optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria,” part of the statement from the US Department of State reads.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary, Campbell, stressed the significance of the partnership, pointing out that the project would help improve digital infrastructure and connectivity. Additionally, he expressed how the project will support Nigeria’s broader goals of digital skills development which are essential for the country’s economic growth.
Delegations from both countries further explored several critical topics aimed at strengthening both countries’ digital economies such as e-commerce, economic advancements, infrastructure constructions, and artificial intelligence.
“The parties discussed enhancing the resilience and security of essential services and facilities; promoting digital trade, e-commerce, and innovation-driven economic growth; developing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the digital age; expanding our artificial intelligence partnership related to capacity building, infrastructure, and rights-respecting approaches to governance; and promoting information integrity,” the statement reads.
Artificial intelligence and tech advancements
The delegations participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
With over 25 U.S. and Nigerian companies from sectors such as AI, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, fintech, and cybersecurity present, the stakeholders discussed various opportunities for public-private sector collaboration to foster innovation and digital talent development through both country’s commercial partnerships. They also debated opportunities for public-private sector collaboration to foster innovation and digital talent development.
Another panel dissected the role of critical infrastructure in advancing AI which centres on how essential infrastructure and governance frameworks can drive the deployment of emerging technologies for inclusive growth.
Additionally, both governments agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa.
“The United States and Nigeria agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology. This discussion will explore how the convergence of AI and biotechnology can spur progress in addressing global health, food security, and science – with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa,” the statement explained.
In its recent effort to boost Nigeria’s technology viability and startup strengths, the federal government unveiled the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk structured to push the annual funding for Nigerian startups to $5 billion which is aimed at creating more limelight for the country’s tech sector and various startup funding.
The Nigerian government has unveiled the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk structured to push the annual funding for Nigerian startups to $5 billion. The initiative is aimed at creating more limelight for the country’s tech sector and various startup funding.
The minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani said the launch of the Trade Desk brings a strong foundation to offer significant support to local technology companies. This in turn enables them to access and compete in markets across Africa and beyond.
“With a bold vision, the initiative seeks to increase the technology sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP from the current 14–18% to 21% within the next three years. Additionally, the Desk aims to amplify annual funding for Nigerian startups, scaling up from $1 billion to $5 billion over the same period, thereby fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness,” the minister said.
He added that the development reflects a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious goal of achieving a $1 trillion Nigerian economy rooted in innovation, investment, and international trade.
Read More: FG to unlock $5bn annual funding for Nigerian startups with launch of Digital Trade Desk.
