BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The United States Trade and Development Agency has concluded arrangements to support the deployment of U.S.-made wireless infrastructure in Nigeria and three other West African countries as part of efforts to expand broadband connectivity across the region.
According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the agency announced funding for a feasibility study to facilitate the installation of about 1,500 turnkey mobile communications base stations across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.
The project is expected to bridge the urban-rural connectivity gap in West Africa by providing millions of residents with faster and more reliable mobile internet access, particularly in underserved communities still dependent on outdated 2G and 3G networks.
The statement noted that the infrastructure deployment would also support economic activities in remote areas that have historically lacked access to stable digital services.
“USTDA announced funding for a feasibility study to install approximately 1,500 turnkey mobile communications base stations from Massachusetts-based company Vanu Inc. across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria,” the statement said.
USTDA Deputy Director, Thomas R. Hardy, said the initiative was aimed at promoting secure and affordable internet access in off-grid communities while strengthening opportunities for American technology firms in Africa.
“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said.
“By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make America more prosperous.”
The agency disclosed that its support would fund the study for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, which has engaged Vernonburg Group LLC to provide technical expertise for assessing the commercial viability of the project and mobilising financing for implementation.
According to the statement, the study will evaluate existing telecommunications infrastructure, market conditions, regulatory frameworks and financing models across the four participating countries.
It added that the initiative could create wider opportunities for the deployment of trusted U.S. wireless solutions, network management systems and other digital infrastructure during implementation.
Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, described the partnership as a major step toward expanding broadband access in challenging markets across West Africa.
“Vanu is proud to partner with USTDA to demonstrate how our systems enable mobile network operators in West Africa to deliver broadband Internet and voice services in some of the most economically and operationally challenging markets and prove that connectivity in these markets can be profitable, sustainable and scalable,” Beard said.
He added that the study would help attract investment, boost U.S. exports and accelerate the deployment of secure digital infrastructure across underserved regions.
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