Nigeria’s quest for digital transformation received a significant boost as the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed a $2.1 million grant with the Nigerian government to assess the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure. This initiative supports Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, aimed at increasing broadband penetration from 42.27% to 70% and ensuring affordable and reliable coverage for 90% of the population.

The signing was part of the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., led by Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell and Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. The meeting advanced bilateral cooperation in technology, innovation, and digital talent development while strengthening ties between the two nations.

Discussions centered on enhancing digital trade, bolstering cybersecurity, promoting innovation-driven economic growth, and fostering artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships. The initiative aligns with the broader Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) strategy, designed to improve connectivity and support the cultivation of a skilled workforce for the digital economy.

Industry collaboration was a focal point during a roundtable hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where over 25 companies from Nigeria and the United States explored investment opportunities in telecommunications, AI, fintech, and digital infrastructure. Panels highlighted public-private partnership solutions to drive innovation and talent development while examining critical infrastructure’s role in AI deployment.

Both nations also agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology, focusing on addressing global challenges in health, food security, and science across sub-Saharan Africa.

The U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing digital infrastructure to support inclusive growth.