The US Trade and Development Agency has unveiled plans to support the deployment of about 1,500 mobile communications base stations across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to improve internet access in underserved communities.
The agency disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday, saying the project would deploy wireless infrastructure developed by U.S.-based Vanu Inc. in areas with limited connectivity, particularly off-grid communities.
According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure and expanding access to reliable internet services in parts of West Africa where many communities still rely on outdated 2G and 3G networks.
USTDA Deputy Director, Thomas Hardy, said the project would provide an alternative to what he described as insecure infrastructure while also creating export opportunities for American companies.
He said, “USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa.”
