Broadband: AfDB approves $200m loan to boost Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, create 2.8m jobs

*The African Development Bank Group projects a $200 million loan to support Nigeria’s digital infrastructure expansion and job creation efforts will improve the country’s Broadband connectivity access, productivity and employment creation via the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment Project, also known as ‘Project BRIDGE’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As Nigeria intensifies efforts at closing Broadband connectivity gaps and strengthening digital economy, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, has approved a $200 million loan to support the country’s digital infrastructure expansion and job creation drive.

The AfDB disclosed this development in a statement released Friday, April 10, 2026, on its corporate Web site.

ADC chieftain faults David Mark-led leadership, describes Obi, Aregbesola, others as ‘hijackers’

Underscoring the key objective of the Nigeria Broadband connectivity initiative, the Bank said the loan would fund the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project.

ConsumerConnect reports the D-VIBE Project is the West African country’s flagship initiative aimed at closing connectivity gaps while strengthening its emerging digital economy.

The Federal Government is leading Project BRIDGE, a $2 billion initiative designed to deploy 90,000km of fiber-optic cable, strengthening the national backbone to boost Broadband penetration to 70–90 percent.

Launched in 2025, the project uses a Public-Private Partnership model to improve digital connectivity, reduce latency, and create a 125,000km combined network by 2027 in Nigeria.

Earlier, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), had explained the project in conjunction with its associated agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), would deepen Broadband connectivity across communities and the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The AfDB also stated: “Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and West Africa’s largest market, is expected to benefit from improved Broadband access, productivity and employment under the project.

“The initiative will expand the country’s national fibre backbone from about 30,000 kilometres to approximately 120,000 kilometres, connecting all 774 Local Government Areas.”

It further explained: “The expanded network will link schools, health facilities, agro-industrial zones, rural communities and commercial hubs to high-speed Broadband services.

“It will also establish cross-border fibre connections with Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad to boost regional digital integration.”

The Bank as well noted the D-VIBE, also known as Project BRIDGE, is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to accelerate implementation and attract private investment.

The continental lender said public sector ownership would range between 25 and 49 percent, while the private sector participation would account for 51 to 75 percent.

It noted: “The AfDB loan forms part of an 800 million Dollar sovereign financing package, alongside 500 million Dollars from the World Bank and 100 million Dollars from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

“Total project financing is estimated at two billion Dollars, with additional support from private sector investments and development partners.”

The AfDB averred: “An EU grant of 22 million Euros and a 2.6 million Dollar project preparation grant from the Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance are also included.

“The project is expected to generate up to 2.8 million jobs over its lifecycle and increase Nigeria’s Broadband penetration from 45 percent to about 70 percent by 2030.”

DG: AfDB committed to high-speed connectivity in all Nigerian communities

Commenting on the massive Broadband connectivity project, Abdul Kamara, Director-General of AfDB’s Nigeria Office, stated that the initiative would unlock opportunities across sectors.

Kamara was quoted to have said: “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.”

The Director-General also explained the Broadband initiative would equip young Nigerian consumers with digital tools needed to build sustainable livelihoods and add value to the economy.

According to him, the project would address barriers to digital adoption through affordable devices, large-scale skills development, and support for digital platforms.

Kamara noted the Project BRIDGE would promote cybersecurity, enhance market competition, and encourage the use of renewable energy to ensure resilience and sustainability.

He stated: “The project aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 2050, National Development Plan and Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“It also supports AfDB’s 10-Year Strategy (2024–2033), which prioritises inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.”

Kindly Share This Story