A $2,095,000 grant has been given by the United States and Nigerian governments to evaluate the viability of installing at least 90,000 km of new fibre optic backbone infrastructure throughout Nigeria.
It was announced at the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, which took place on January 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Great to welcome Nigerian Minister @bosuntijani and his delegation for the inaugural U.S.-Nigerian Technology Dialogue. Together, we’re looking at digital infrastructure and workforce talent development to enhance bilateral cooperation in critical technology sectors.… pic.twitter.com/uXui0yPljZ
— Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell (@DeputySecState) January 13, 2025
Kurt Campbell, the Deputy Secretary, hosted a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
The conversation gives both nations a forum to discuss important potential and difficulties in the field of digital transformation.
“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,” the statement read.
The award is in line with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 and is provided by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
To guarantee that at least 90% of Nigerians have access to reasonably priced and dependable internet coverage, the country’s broadband penetration rate is expected to rise from 42.27% to 70%.
The project would contribute to the improvement of digital infrastructure and connections, which are critical for the nation’s economic growth, according to Deputy Secretary Campbell, who underlined the importance of this collaboration.
He also noted that this initiative will support Nigeria’s broader goals of digital skills development and talent cultivation.
Short, packed, but extremely purposeful. Our inaugural trade mission is about to herald a new era in US-Nigeria technology relations. Full report soon!https://t.co/GFJDd70Tim
— Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) January 14, 2025
During the dialogue, the U.S. and Nigerian delegations explored several critical topics aimed at strengthening both countries’ digital economies.
They focused on enhancing the resilience and security of essential services and facilities, promoting digital trade, e-commerce, and innovation-driven economic growth, and developing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the digital age.
The dialogue also emphasised expanding the AI partnership, focusing on capacity building, infrastructure, and rights-respecting governance approaches, alongside promoting information integrity in the digital ecosystem.
Following the dialogue, the delegations participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Over 25 U.S. and Nigerian companies from sectors such as AI, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, fintech, and cybersecurity took part.
The discussions highlighted opportunities for public-private sector collaboration to foster innovation and digital talent development through U.S.-Nigeria commercial partnerships.
A second panel explored the role of critical infrastructure in advancing AI, focusing 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, focusing on how AI and biotechnology can address global health and food security challenges, with particular emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa.
