The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $200 million loan to support the expansion of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and drive job creation across the country.
The funding will be used to implement the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project, a major initiative aimed at improving connectivity and accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to the bank, the project will significantly expand the country’s fibre optic network, increasing coverage from about 30,000 kilometres to 120,000 kilometres nationwide.
The expansion is expected to connect all 774 local government areas, improving access to high-speed internet in both urban and rural communities.
The initiative will also link critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and commerce, enabling broader access to digital services.
In addition, cross-border fibre connections will be established with neighbouring countries including Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, strengthening regional digital integration.
AfDB noted that the project, also referred to as Project BRIDGE, will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to attract investment and ensure efficient implementation.
Under this arrangement, private sector investors are expected to hold a majority stake, while the public sector retains a significant share.
The $200 million loan is part of a larger financing package valued at approximately $800 million, which includes contributions from the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Overall, the total project cost is estimated at around $2 billion supported by additional funding from development partners and private investors.
The bank also disclosed that the project has secured grants from the **European Union** and other multilateral institutions to support preparation and execution.
Once fully implemented, the initiative is expected to create up to 2.8 million jobs and increase Nigeria’s broadband penetration from about 45 percent to nearly 70 percent by 2030.
Speaking on the development, Abdul Kamara, Director-General of AfDB’s Nigeria Office, said the project would unlock opportunities across multiple sectors.
He noted that improved internet access would empower communities, support businesses, and enhance learning environments nationwide.
Kamara added that the project would also focus on digital skills development, affordable access to devices, and stronger cybersecurity frameworks.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s long-term development plans, including Vision 2050, the National Development Plan, and the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The project also supports broader continental goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and AfDB’s strategic priorities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
