Dare Babalola
The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced support for the expansion of American wireless communication infrastructure across parts of West Africa, with plans targeting underserved and off-grid communities in four countries, including Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency said it would fund a feasibility study for the deployment of about 1,500 turnkey mobile communication base stations across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.
The project will be executed by Vanu Inc., a Massachusetts-based technology company specialising in wireless infrastructure solutions.
According to the USTDA, the initiative is aimed at expanding affordable and reliable internet access in rural and underserved areas across the region, while also promoting the use of trusted U.S.-made telecommunications systems in markets currently dominated by Chinese-built infrastructure.
USTDA Deputy Director, Thomas Hardy, said the project reflects efforts by the United States to promote secure digital infrastructure and strengthen economic opportunities for American companies abroad.
“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable and trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said.
“By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are providing an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that support economic growth in the United States.”
As part of the initiative, USTDA will support a study for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, which has engaged Georgia-based Vernonburg Group LLC to provide technical and commercial expertise for the project.
The study is expected to examine existing telecommunications infrastructure, market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, as well as financing options across the four participating countries.
The agency said the assessment would help determine the viability of large-scale deployment and attract investment for implementation.
According to the statement, the project is also expected to create opportunities for the deployment of American-made wireless systems, network management tools and other digital infrastructure solutions throughout the region.
The proposed rollout is intended to bridge the connectivity gap between urban and rural communities in West Africa, where many remote areas still rely on outdated 2G and 3G networks or lack internet access entirely.
Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, said the company’s technology is designed to help mobile operators deliver broadband and voice services in difficult and underserved markets.
“Vanu is proud to partner with USTDA to demonstrate how our systems can enable mobile network operators in West Africa to provide broadband internet and voice services in economically and operationally challenging environments,” Beard said.
He added that the project would help encourage new investments, expand U.S. technology exports and accelerate access to secure digital connectivity across emerging markets.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency said it remains focused on supporting infrastructure development in emerging economies through technical assistance that helps projects attract financing and deploy American goods and services.
