Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Nigeria to expand fibre optic network by 90,000 km with $2 million US grant

Nigeria is set to witness a significant boost in its digital infrastructure as the U.S. and Nigerian governments inked a $2 million grant agreement to expand the country’s fibre optic network by 90,000 kilometers.

Funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the initiative underscores growing economic and technological collaboration between the two nations and aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025.

The project is designed to improve Internet access, generate jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.

With Internet penetration in Nigeria remaining uneven, especially in rural areas, the new fibre optic infrastructure is expected to bridge the digital divide by bringing reliable Internet access to underserved regions. Additionally, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals, which include creating a sustainable and inclusive economy.

In June 2024, the Nigerian government announced plans to extend the fibre-optic network by 90,000 km to boost digital accessibility and create more jobs.

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, indicating a commitment to protecting critical telecom infrastructure.

Private sector contributions have also been significant. 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, enhancing connectivity nationwide.

Furthermore, in December 2024, Huawei Cloud launched a hyperscale public cloud service in Nigeria, aiming to accelerate digitisation 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 track record of prioritising connectivity as a cornerstone for economic development. Expanding the fibre network by such a significant margin is anticipated to unlock opportunities across 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 also 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. The collaboration could inspire similar initiatives across the continent, contributing to Africa’s collective digital evolution.

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