Nigeria and 3 other African countries to receive 1,500 US-made base stations for rural network boost

The United States, through its Trade and Development Agency, is set to deploy 1,500 U.S.-made base stations across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative targets millions of underserved people and further bridges the connectivity gap. 

Part of the ambition reportedly aims to reduce reliance on China’s long-standing dominance in the African telecoms industry. Also, part of the initiative is aimed at expanding American wireless infrastructure across West Africa. 

The project will be deployed using wireless technology developed by Vanu Inc., a United States firm that designs software-based radio systems for difficult and low-income environments. This is expected to enable the base stations to provide wider coverage for underserved communities.

While reacting to the development, Deputy Director of the US Trade and Development Agency, Thomas Hardy, stated that the project will create trusted and affordable internet access opportunities for Africans, as well as American companies in emerging markets.

“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy stated.

With the deployment of 1,500 base stations, the investment is expected to improve internet access for millions of people in rural communities who depend on weak 2G and 3G services. It seeks to address the persistent digital disconnection faced by rural communities

The development follows recent concerns from West African countries that Western nations are not doing enough in diversifying critical infrastructure partnerships and reducing dependence on Chinese technology providers. 

The USTDA expressed that the initiative aligns with ongoing moves to advance critical infrastructure development in developing and emerging economies while promoting the export of trusted American technologies.

Also Read: AI investments key to sustaining Africa’s telecoms growth – Cassava Tech.

State of Africa’s rural connectivity 

The USTDA intervention comes at a time when rural connectivity in Africa faces a significant digital divide. About 47% of rural areas completely lack mobile broadband coverage, and another 30% only have access to slow 2G/3G networks.

While most infrastructural investment has been focused on fibre and 5G networks in urban areas, remote communities have been held back by vandalism, poor infrastructure, lack of electricity, and high deployment costs.

A major challenge is the lower return on investment associated with rural deployments. According to a November 2024 GSMA report, operating a rural base station in the region costs telecom operators 35% to 40% more than running one in urban areas, with costs even higher in some countries.

In addition, Operating costs for rural base stations are also significantly higher in rural areas. This comes from higher energy costs in using diesel, where grid access is often patchy or non-existent, due to low electrification rates and unreliable grid access.

When deployed, USTDA’s 1,200 base stations are expected to alleviate these bottlenecks for operators and also serve as a boost in their CAPEX towards these underserved regions.