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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a $200 million loan to the Federal Government of Nigeria to support a nationwide digital infrastructure project expected to create up to 2.8 million jobs over its lifecycle.
The funding is part of a broader $800 million sovereign financing package for Nigeria’s Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) project, also known as Project BRIDGE, a flagship initiative designed to expand broadband access, deepen digital inclusion, and strengthen the country’s digital economy.
The project is aimed at extending Nigeria’s fibre optic backbone from about 30,000 kilometres to 120,000 kilometres, significantly improving broadband penetration and connectivity across the country. The rollout is expected to connect all 774 local government areas, including schools, healthcare facilities, agro-industrial clusters, rural communities, and commercial centres.
According to the AfDB, the initiative is expected to raise Nigeria’s broadband penetration from 45% to about 70% by 2030, positioning the country for faster digital transformation and stronger economic productivity.
Total financing hits $2 billion
The D-VIBE project has an estimated total financing size of $2 billion. In addition to the AfDB’s $200 million contribution, the World Bank is providing $500 million, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is contributing $100 million.
Other financing sources include a €22 million European Union grant, a $2.6 million project preparation grant from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance, and at least $1.2 billion expected from private sector investors.
The project is structured as a public-private partnership through a Special Purpose Vehicle, with public ownership capped between 25% and 49%, while private investors will hold between 51% and 75%. This structure is designed to reduce financing pressure on government and address major rollout barriers such as high right-of-way and construction costs.
Digital economy expansion and regional links
Beyond domestic broadband expansion, the fibre network will also establish cross-border digital links with neighbouring countries including Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.
Abdul Kamara, Director General of AfDB’s Nigeria Office, said the project addresses a longstanding infrastructure gap limiting Nigeria’s economic potential.
He noted that Nigeria has the market size, youthful population, and entrepreneurial talent needed for rapid digital growth, but lacks the backbone infrastructure required to unlock these opportunities at scale.
Skills, devices and inclusion central to project
In addition to fibre deployment, D-VIBE will tackle demand-side barriers by supporting affordable smart devices, large-scale digital skills training, and digital platforms in priority sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare.
The programme will also support cybersecurity reforms, stronger market competition policies, and climate-resilient infrastructure standards, including increased use of hybrid and renewable energy systems.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 2050, National Development Plan, Renewed Hope Development Plan 2026–2030, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, reinforcing its strategic role in the country’s long-term economic transformation.
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