By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has announced it is funding a major push to bring US-made wireless technology to off-grid communities across West Africa.
US Embassy in Abuja says the agency has approved funding for a feasibility study to install about 1,500 mobile base stations in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The project targets areas currently served only by outdated 2G and 3G networks, or with no coverage at all.
The Embassy says the study will be carried out by Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc., in partnership with Georgia’s Vernonburg Group. It will assess network infrastructure, market conditions, legal frameworks, and financing plans for large-scale deployment.
Officials say the move is designed to give West Africa an alternative to Chinese-made systems, while expanding US exports and creating more reliable mobile and internet access.
If implemented, the project is expected to unlock new economic activity, connecting millions of people to faster, more reliable mobile services and boost economic activity in West Africa.
