Nigeria is poised for a substantial enhancement in its digital infrastructure following the signing of a $2 million grant agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian governments to expand the country’s fibre optic network by 90,000 kilometers. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), highlights the growing economic and technological collaboration between the two nations and aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025.
The project aims to improve internet access, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy. With Internet penetration in Nigeria remaining uneven, particularly in rural areas, the new fibre optic infrastructure is expected to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable Internet access to underserved regions. This initiative supports Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals, which include fostering a sustainable and inclusive economy.
In June 2024, the Nigerian government announced plans to extend the fibre-optic network by 90,000 km to enhance digital accessibility and generate employment opportunities. Additionally, in April 2024, the government revealed plans to criminalize the destruction of broadband fibre cables after MTN and Airtel reported losses of ₦27 billion, demonstrating a commitment to protecting critical telecom infrastructure.
The private sector has also made significant contributions. In February 2024, IHS Nigeria, through its subsidiary Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), completed the rollout of over 10,000 km of fibre optic cables across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, thereby enhancing connectivity nationwide.
Furthermore, in December 2024, Huawei Cloud launched a hyperscale public cloud service in Nigeria, aiming to accelerate digitization in West Africa with industry AI. This initiative is expected to empower local customers and partners to innovate and expand internationally.
This partnership with the U.S. builds on Nigeria’s history of prioritizing connectivity as a cornerstone for economic development. Expanding the fibre network by such a significant margin is anticipated to unlock opportunities across various industries, enabling businesses to thrive in a more connected environment and fostering innovation in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and finance.
As the U.S. and Nigeria strengthen their ties through this project, it signals a shared vision for leveraging technology to drive sustainable development. By investing in digital infrastructure, Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional leader in Africa’s technology landscape. This collaboration could inspire similar initiatives across the continent, contributing to Africa’s collective digital evolution.
