The Digest:
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $200 million loan to Nigeria for a nationwide fibre-optic expansion and digital skills project aimed at boosting job creation. The D-VIBE project will deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre, expanding Nigeria's backbone network from 30,000 km to 120,000 km, connecting all 774 local government areas. Total project financing is $2 billion, including $500 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the EBRD. The project could create up to 2.8 million jobs.
Key Points:
- Broadband penetration is expected to rise from 45% to 70% by 2030.
- The project will connect schools, health facilities, rural communities, and commercial hubs.
- Cross-border fibre links with neighbouring countries are also planned.
- Implementation will be through a public-private partnership with a private majority stake.
- The initiative aims to address high construction and right-of-way costs.
