Nigeria secures $100 million from European bank to finance Project Bridge
Naija News • 4d ago
**Nigeria Catches a Break: Securing $100M from European Bank for Nationwide Connectivity**
In a significant boost to Nigeria's digital economy, the country has secured a $100 million investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to support Project Bridge, a nationwide connectivity initiative. This fresh funding comes on the heels of an additional €22 million from the European Union for the digital economy package.
Project Bridge, unveiled in August 2025, aims to bridge the digital divide by deploying extensive fibre-optic infrastructure to underserved and unserved communities across the country. With a planned 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network, the project promises to fast-track the delivery of affordable and reliable broadband connectivity nationwide.
The minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, confirmed the investment grants, noting that the funds were secured after a successful 'Project BRIDGE' Investment Tour to European countries. This tour, which took him to six countries in two weeks, yielded positive engagements with EBRD stakeholders, ultimately culminating in the approval of the $100 million investment.
In addition to this fresh funding, the federal government has already secured $500 million financing from the World Bank for the project. The additional €22 million from the European Union will support various digital initiatives, including digital public services and the 3MTT Nigeria Programme.
The minister reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to the timely completion of Project Bridge, highlighting its transformative potential in delivering nationwide connectivity across Nigeria. This development is a significant milestone for the country's digital economy, and its implications will be far-reaching, especially for communities that have hitherto been disconnected from the digital world.
As Nigeria continues to strive for digital inclusion and economic growth, initiatives like Project Bridge and the support from international partners like the EBRD and the European Union will go a long way in bridging the gap and propelling the country towards a more connected and prosperous future.