The United States Trade and Development Agency has announced plans to support the deployment of about 1,500 mobile communications base stations across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The agency disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday. It said the project would improve internet access in underserved and off-grid communities across West Africa.
According to the statement, the wireless infrastructure will be developed by U.S.-based Vanu Inc. The project is expected to strengthen digital infrastructure in areas where many communities still depend on outdated 2G and 3G networks.
USTDA Deputy Director, Thomas Hardy, said the initiative would provide affordable and trusted internet access while creating opportunities for American businesses.
“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said.
He added that the project would also offer an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that support the American economy.
The agency stated that it had funded a feasibility study for the project. The study will be carried out for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire with technical support from Georgia-based Vernonburg Group LLC.
According to the statement, the study will examine the project’s commercial viability, review regulatory frameworks in the four countries, assess existing telecommunications infrastructure and develop a financing plan for the rollout.
Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, said the company’s systems are designed to help mobile network operators deliver broadband and voice services in difficult and economically challenging areas.
“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,” Beard said.
He added that the project would prove that connectivity in underserved markets can be profitable, sustainable and scalable.
Beard also noted that the feasibility study would help attract investment and accelerate the deployment of secure digital infrastructure across the region.
