Nigeria's 90,000km Fibre Project Secures $200 Million AfDB Loan for Accelerated Nationwide Expansion
Nigeria's ambitious 90,000-kilometre fibre optic project has received a significant boost with a $200 million loan from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), aimed at fast-tracking its nationwide rollout. The loan approval, announced by the AfDB over the weekend, is part of the broader 'Project Bridge' (D-VIBE) initiative, designed to expand digital skills and drive job creation across the country.
Expanding Nigeria's Digital Backbone
This funding is expected to expand Nigeria's fibre backbone from approximately 30,000 kilometres to about 120,000 kilometres by the end of 2027. The project, which also enjoys support from the World Bank, aims to connect all 774 local government areas across Nigeria to high-speed broadband, transforming digital access nationwide.
According to the AfDB, the $200 million loan is part of an $800 million sovereign financing package for the project. This package includes $500 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Total project financing is estimated at $2 billion, incorporating an EU grant of €22 million, a $2.6 million Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance (MCDF) project preparation grant, and at least $1.2 billion in investment from the private sector.
Strategic Impact and Job Creation
Commenting on the development, Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank Group Nigeria Office, stated: "Nigeria has the talent, the market, and the ambition; what it has lacked is the backbone infrastructure to connect that potential to opportunity. D-VIBE changes that. From the north to the south, from farms to factories to classrooms, this investment will make high-speed connectivity a reality for every Nigerian community and give young people the tools to build their futures digitally."
The project is projected to support the creation of up to 2.8 million jobs over its lifecycle and raise national broadband penetration from 45 per cent to around 70 per cent by 2030. Additionally, it will establish cross-border fibre links with neighbouring countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, enhancing regional connectivity.
Beyond Infrastructure: Addressing Digital Gaps
Beyond infrastructure deployment, the AfDB highlighted that the project will address demand-side constraints through various initiatives. These include:
- Affordable device access programs to ensure wider adoption.
- Large-scale digital skills development to empower the workforce.
- Support for digital platforms in priority sectors to boost economic growth.
The project will also promote cybersecurity frameworks, market competition policies, and the adoption of hybrid and renewable energy solutions to improve network resilience and sustainability. This comprehensive approach aims to not only build physical infrastructure but also foster a robust digital ecosystem that can drive long-term economic and social development in Nigeria.
