Nigeria is making a major digital leap with a $2 billion broadband expansion plan designed to position the nation as Africa’s next major technology hub.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced the project during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja. He said the plan aims to connect every local government in the country within three years, boosting inclusion and driving digital wealth.“Connectivity is not optional. It’s the foundation of productivity,” Tijani said during the plenary on Smart Growth, Digital Leap hosted by IHS Towers.
Tijani: Bridging the Broadband Divide
According to the minister, the broadband initiative will follow a hybrid funding model — 49% government and 51% private investment — supported by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).He revealed that broadband would now be treated as national critical infrastructure, reducing operational costs for telecom firms and encouraging private participation.
The National Bureau of Statistics reports that ICT contributes 15% to Nigeria’s GDP, one of the strongest in sub-Saharan Africa. However, broadband penetration still hovers around 50%, leaving millions without access. Citing World Bank data, Tijani said a 10% rise in broadband access could lift GDP by up to 2% annually.
He also praised IHS Towers’ ongoing innovation hub project, which is set to train thousands of young Nigerians and link startups with investors.
A Boost Beyond Tech
The broadband rollout is expected to create ripple effects across multiple sectors. Tijani noted that improving rural broadband could add $25 billion annually to agricultural output while supporting Nigeria’s export diversification.
He highlighted the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which is equipping digital professionals with skills in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. About 4% of participants, he added, are focusing solely on artificial intelligence.
The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for reforms that have made broadband expansion more attractive to investors through new tariff and regulatory policies.
The Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr Mohamad Darwish, said Nigeria remains Africa’s most vibrant startup ecosystem despite power and infrastructure challenges.
“Today, our country stands tall as Africa’s most vibrant startup ecosystem and one of the world’s leading creative communities,” Darwish said.He credited improved internet access for transforming how entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creators operate — driving e-commerce, agency banking, and mobile payments.
However, Darwish warned that poor digital literacy and unreliable power still limit progress. He urged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to close these gaps.
“We cannot build a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria by 2030 without digital technology at its core,” he said, adding that innovation and digital talent must remain the foundation of a modern economy.
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