Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell led the first U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on January 10. The event hosted a senior delegation from Nigeria, headed by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.
The dialogue builds on previous engagements, including Deputy Secretary Campbell's visit to Abuja for the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission co-hosted with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in April 2024. Other events include the "Global Inclusivity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)" event in Lagos and the United Nations General Assembly AI event in September 2024.
The U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue aims to improve cooperation in technology sectors between the two countries. It seeks to create opportunities in technology and innovation while strengthening collaboration among agencies and stakeholders. These efforts are part of the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, which promotes digital infrastructure, connectivity, skills development, and talent cultivation.
During the dialogue, a $2,095,000 grant was signed to evaluate deploying at least 90,000 km of new fiber optic infrastructure across Nigeria. This project is funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and supports Nigeria's National Broadband Plan 2020-2025. The plan aims to increase broadband penetration from 42.27 percent to 70 percent and ensure affordable broadband access for at least 90 percent of Nigeria's population.
Discussions during the dialogue focused on enhancing essential services' resilience and security; promoting digital trade; developing a skilled workforce; expanding AI partnerships; and ensuring information integrity.
Following these discussions, delegations participated in a roundtable with industry representatives hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Over 25 companies from both countries were represented across various technology sectors such as AI, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, satellites, aerospace, fintech, and cybersecurity.
Two panel discussions were held: one on public-private sector investment in innovation and digital talent development; another on critical infrastructure's role in advancing AI use.
Additionally, both nations agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology focusing on global health issues relevant to sub-Saharan Africa.
For more information about this event or future updates follow @AsstSecStateAF or contact AF Press at AF-Press@state.gov.
