The U.S. government has awarded a grant of $2,095,000 aimed at deploying 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone across the country. This funding, provided by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), was announced during the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., on January 10, 2025.
The grant aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025, which seeks to increase broadband penetration from the current 42.27% to a target of 70%. The plan also aims to ensure that at least 90% of Nigerians have access to affordable and reliable internet services.
During the dialogue, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing the challenges and opportunities in digital transformation. Campbell emphasized that improving digital infrastructure is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development of digital skills.
The discussions also covered a range of topics relevant to both nations’ digital economies, including e-commerce, infrastructure development, and artificial intelligence (AI). Delegates from over 25 U.S. and Nigerian companies participated in roundtable discussions focused on fostering innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
One notable outcome of the dialogue was an agreement to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology, which will explore how the intersection of AI and biotechnology can contribute to advancements in global health and food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa
In addition to this grant, the Nigerian government recently launched the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk, aimed at increasing annual funding for local startups from $1 billion to $5 billion. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost Nigeria’s tech sector and enhance its contribution to the national economy
Dr. Tijani expressed optimism about these developments, stating that they reflect President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a $1 trillion Nigerian economy driven by innovation and international trade.
