$2 Billion Nigerian Broadband Project to Drive GDP Growth and Digital Inclusion
Nigeria is set to witness a major digital transformation as the government launches a $2 billion broadband project aimed at boosting economic growth and expanding internet access nationwide. Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) in Abuja, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s next global technology exporter while promoting digital inclusion for millions of citizens.
The ambitious project, backed by a hybrid financing model of 49% government funding and 51% private sector investment, seeks to deliver universal broadband coverage across all 774 local government areas within three years. Tijani highlighted that broadband connectivity is essential for productivity, noting that the ICT sector already contributes approximately 15% to Nigeria’s GDP, one of the highest figures in sub-Saharan Africa. He added that increasing broadband access by just 10% could raise the nation’s GDP by up to 2% annually, referencing World Bank data on digital economies.
Key partners in the initiative include the World Bank, IFC, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), with plans to classify broadband as national critical infrastructure. This approach is expected to attract private investment, reduce operational costs for telecom operators, and accelerate Nigeria’s digital ecosystem development. Dr. Tijani emphasized the importance of innovation hubs, such as the IHS Towers hub — West Africa’s largest — which will train thousands of young Nigerians and offer incubation spaces for startups while connecting them to global investors.
Beyond technology, the minister stressed the project’s wider economic impact, particularly in agriculture. Economists estimate that improved rural broadband could boost Nigeria’s agricultural output by up to $25 billion annually, supporting export diversification. The government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme will complement this effort by training young professionals in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, positioning the country to compete in the global digital economy.
Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, praised the government’s push for public-private collaboration, noting that Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has become one of Africa’s most vibrant. However, he acknowledged challenges remain, including limited rural internet access, power shortages, and uneven digital literacy. Darwish urged sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation, and talent development to bridge the digital divide, improve productivity, and ensure inclusive growth, emphasizing that a smart economy cannot be achieved without placing digital technology at its core.
source: The Guardian