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and expanding access to reliable internet services in parts of West Africa where many communities still rely on outdated 2G and 3G networks.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.”
The statement added that they “are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make America more prosperous.”
The agency said it had funded a feasibility study for the project, which would be carried out for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, with technical support from Georgia-based Vernonburg Group LLC.
According to the statement, the study will assess the project’s commercial viability, review regulatory frameworks in the four countries, evaluate existing telecommunications infrastructure and develop a financing plan for the rollout.
Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, said the company’s systems were designed to help mobile network operators provide broadband and voice services in 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 and prove that connectivity in these markets can be profitable, sustainable and scalable,” he said.
He added that the study would help attract investment and accelerate the deployment of secure digital infrastructure in the region.