Deputy Secretary Campbell highlighted the partnership’s significance, emphasizing that the fiber optic expansion would enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and connectivity, which are crucial for economic growth.
Washington, D.C. – The United States and Nigeria have signed a $2,095,000 grant to assess the feasibility of deploying at least 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria. This was announced at the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, held on January 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The event was led by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. The dialogue is part of efforts to address key opportunities and challenges in the digital transformation landscape for both countries.
The grant, provided by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020–2025, which seeks to increase broadband penetration from 42.27% to 70% and ensure at least 90% of Nigerians have access to affordable, reliable broadband services.
Boosting Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Deputy Secretary Campbell highlighted the partnership’s significance, emphasizing that the fiber optic expansion would enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and connectivity, which are crucial for economic growth. The project also supports Nigeria’s broader goals of digital skills development and talent cultivation.
Minister Tijani praised the initiative as a major step toward achieving Nigeria’s broadband goals and fostering innovation in the country’s growing digital economy.
Focus on Digital Growth
During the dialogue, U.S. and Nigerian officials discussed strategies to strengthen both nations’ digital economies. Key topics included:
- Enhancing the resilience and security of essential services and facilities.
- Promoting digital trade, e-commerce, and innovation-driven economic growth.
- Developing a workforce equipped to meet the demands of the digital age.
- Expanding the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on capacity building, infrastructure, and governance.
The dialogue also explored measures to promote information integrity in the digital ecosystem.
Public-Private Collaboration
As part of the event, a roundtable discussion was hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, bringing together over 25 U.S. and Nigerian companies from industries such as telecommunications, AI, digital infrastructure, fintech, and cybersecurity. Discussions centered on fostering public-private collaboration to drive innovation, enhance digital talent, and expand commercial partnerships between the two nations.
A panel also explored the role of critical infrastructure in advancing AI technologies, focusing on the governance frameworks needed to ensure inclusive growth.
Virtual Exchange on AI and Biotechnology
Both governments agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology. This exchange will explore how AI and biotechnology can address global health and food security challenges, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
The U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue has laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration between the two countries, highlighting the critical role of digital infrastructure and innovation in driving economic transformation.
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