As part of an ongoing Technology Dialogue, the United States and Nigeria have announced a new partnership focused on expanding digital infrastructure and bridging the digital divide.
Kicking off the Technology Dialogue, the United States and Nigeria signed a new $2,095,000 grant to assess the viability of the deployment of at least new 90,000 km fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria.
This announcement was made during the inaugural U.S.-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 project, funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, supports Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 with the goal to increase the country’s broadband penetration rate from 42.27 percent to 70 percent and to ensure that at least 90 percent of Nigeria’s population has access to affordable and reliable broadband coverage.
Deputy Secretary Campbell emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that the project would help improve digital infrastructure and connectivity, which are essential for the country’s economic growth. He also noted that this initiative will support Nigeria’s broader goals of digital skills development and talent cultivation.
Speaking on this, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honorable Minister for Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy of Nigeria said: “I am pleased to receive this grant from USTDA to fund this feasibility study which is a critical component of our plan to deploy 90,000 km fiber optic cable across Nigeria. This is further testament to our long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in technology infrastructure development. I look forward to further collaboration and investments from partners in in the U.S. government and private sector, especially in projects like these that support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.”
“This partnership exemplifies the strong and growing relationship between Nigeria and the United States in the technology sector,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who opened the inaugural technology dialogue. “By working together on this critical infrastructure project, we are not only enhancing internet access for millions of Nigerians but also creating opportunities for U.S. businesses to contribute their expertise and innovative solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and digital inclusion in Nigeria.”
“As Nigeria and the United States deepen our cooperation in the technology sector, USTDA is proud to partner with FMCIDE to deliver concrete action in support our shared digital infrastructure goals,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This project will help expand connectivity to Nigeria’s urban and rural communities while opening opportunities for trusted U.S. technologies to advance the country’s digital priorities.”
Director Ebong signed the grant agreement with FMCIDE Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani at the Inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, held at the U.S. Department of State.
During the Technology Dialogue, the parties also 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 U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue is designed to enhance bilateral cooperation in critical technology sectors, seize opportunities in technology and innovation, and strengthen interagency collaboration and stakeholder engagement in both countries. These objectives advance the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, by facilitating a more conducive investment environment for digital transformation, promoting digital infrastructure and connectivity, and supporting digital skills development and talent cultivation.