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U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation and Paves the Way for Broadband Expansion

The U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, led by Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell, took place in Washington, D.C., on January 10, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral ties and advancing digital infrastructure and innovation between the two nations. The event, which hosted a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, emphasized the importance of collaboration in critical technology sectors, with a focus on enhancing digital transformation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Strengthening the Digital Partnership

The Technology Dialogue builds on prior engagements between the U.S. and Nigeria, including Deputy Secretary Campbell’s visit to Abuja for the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission in April 2024, and the highly successful “Global Inclusivity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)” event in Lagos later that year. It also follows discussions held during the United Nations General Assembly’s AI event in September 2024, where Nigeria’s Minister Tijani actively participated.

A central goal of the dialogue is to drive Africa’s digital transformation through collaborative efforts aimed at bolstering infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging investment in technology. This aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, which seeks to build a more conducive environment for digital growth across the continent, including Nigeria.

New $2 Million Broadband Grant to Accelerate Connectivity

One of the key highlights of the dialogue was the signing of a $2.095 million grant agreement between the U.S. and Nigeria, aimed at assessing the feasibility of deploying 90,000 km of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria. This project, funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, supports Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, which aims to significantly increase broadband penetration from 42.27% to 70% by the end of the plan’s period. The grant also aims to ensure that 90% of Nigeria’s population gains access to affordable, reliable broadband coverage.

This infrastructure initiative is crucial to Nigeria’s digital future, as broadband access is a fundamental enabler of digital services, economic growth, and inclusive development. By expanding connectivity, Nigeria will enhance its global competitiveness, provide better opportunities for education, healthcare, and e-commerce, and facilitate greater social inclusion.

Expanding Digital Trade, AI, and Talent Development

Throughout the dialogue, U.S. and Nigerian officials discussed a broad range of topics, including the resilience and security of critical digital infrastructure, the promotion of digital trade and innovation-driven economic growth, and the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the digital age.

A particular focus was placed on advancing AI and its applications in various sectors, including biotechnology, agriculture, and healthcare. Both sides agreed to expand their partnership on AI, emphasizing capacity-building, infrastructure development, and the establishment of governance frameworks that prioritize transparency, ethics, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

The dialogue also included a roundtable discussion with over 25 industry leaders from both the U.S. and Nigeria. The event, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, provided a platform for discussing public-private partnerships that can drive innovation and accelerate digital talent development. Panel discussions examined the role of critical infrastructure in advancing AI technologies and the necessity of robust governance frameworks to foster the responsible deployment of AI to support inclusive growth.

Looking Ahead: Future Collaborations in AI and Biotechnology

In line with the broader objectives of the Technology Dialogue, the United States and Nigeria agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange focused on AI-enabled biotechnology. This initiative will explore the convergence of AI and biotechnology, with a specific focus on addressing health, food security, and scientific challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. By fostering collaboration in this space, both nations aim to unlock solutions that can improve global health outcomes and strengthen the resilience of African economies.

The U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue represents a major step in advancing the two countries’ shared commitment to digital transformation and innovation. As both nations work together to foster a digital economy, this partnership will continue to yield benefits for the people of Nigeria, the broader African continent, and the global community.

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