The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $200 million loan from the African Development Bank Group to drive the expansion of Nigeria’s fibre-optic infrastructure under a major digital connectivity project.
The funding will support the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project, also known as Project BRIDGE. The initiative aims to scale Nigeria’s fibre backbone from about 30,000 kilometres to 120,000 kilometres, extending high-speed broadband access to all 774 local government areas.
According to the AfDB, the $200 million forms part of a broader $800 million sovereign financing package. This includes $500 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Total project financing is estimated at $2 billion, supported by additional grants and at least $1.2 billion in private sector investment.
The AfDB noted that the project will significantly improve Nigeria’s digital backbone, unlocking access to economic opportunities across sectors. It is expected to connect communities nationwide, from rural farming areas to urban business hubs, enabling broader participation in the digital economy.
For small businesses and entrepreneurs, this expansion could be transformative. Improved internet access is likely to lower operational barriers, enhance digital payments, expand e-commerce opportunities, and open up access to global markets.
The government had earlier secured additional support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, including funding for digital public services and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme. These efforts are part of a wider push to strengthen Nigeria’s digital capacity and workforce readiness.
Beyond infrastructure, the project is designed to address key challenges limiting digital adoption. These include access to affordable devices, digital skills development, and support for online platforms in priority sectors. It will also promote cybersecurity systems, encourage market competition, and integrate renewable energy solutions to improve network reliability.
The initiative is projected to create up to 2.8 million jobs and increase broadband penetration from 45 percent to about 70 percent by 2030. It will also establish cross-border fibre links with neighbouring countries, strengthening regional connectivity.
As part of implementation, the government has launched a National Digital Economy Research Cluster to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation is driven by local data and insights. The programme covers key areas such as connectivity, digital infrastructure, skills development, online safety, and artificial intelligence.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s long-term development strategies and broader continental goals, positioning the country to play a stronger role in Africa’s growing digital economy.