U.S To Rollout 1,500 Mobile Base Stations in Nigeria And 3 Other Countries

The United States, U.S Trade and Development Agency is funding a feasibility study to deploy 1,500 U.S-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in a bid to connect off-grid communities and offer an alternative to Chinese wireless infrastructure.

In a statement by the U.S mission in Nigeria, the grant will support Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc. as it works with Georg-based Vermont Group LLC to assess the commercial viability of large-scale deployment.

The study will examine existing telecom infrastructure, market conditions, financing models and legal or regulatory frameworks needed for large-scale implementation. Georgia-based Vernonburg Group LLC has been selected to provide technical support for the assessment phase.

USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy described the project as part of a broader effort to provide “trusted” digital infrastructure alternatives in Africa while opening new opportunities for American technology companies. “USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said in the agency’s statement.

Vanu, which specialises in software-based radio technology, says its systems are designed for rural and economically challenging markets. The project aims to close West Africa’s urban connectivity gap and expand access to 2G and 3G voice and data services in areas that are largely offline.

“Vanu is proud to partner with USTDA to show how our systems enable mobile network operators to deliver broadband in West Africa,” said Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu Inc. He added that the company’s FCC-certified software radio and open-architecture ecosystem could make connectivity in these markets “profitable, sustainable and scalable.”

The initiative is expected to generate opportunities for U.S. wireless solutions, network management systems, and other digital infrastructure as implementation moves forward.

Analysts say the project also reflects growing strategic competition between the United States and China for technological influence in Africa.

For years, many African countries have depended heavily on Chinese-built telecommunications infrastructure supplied by companies such as Huawei and ZTE. U.S. officials have increasingly promoted American-backed systems as “trusted” alternatives to Chinese technology.

Industry observers believe the latest U.S.-supported initiative could reshape parts of West Africa’s digital landscape while reducing dependence on foreign-controlled telecom systems perceived by Washington as security risks.