The United States government, through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), has announced plans to support the deployment of about 1,500 mobile base stations across Nigeria and three other West African countries in a bid to expand digital connectivity in underserved regions.

The project, which will also cover Ghana, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, is aimed at improving access to reliable and affordable internet services in rural and off-grid communities where connectivity remains limited or non-existent.

According to officials, the initiative will begin with a USTDA-funded feasibility study to assess the commercial and technical viability of the large-scale rollout.

The study will evaluate existing telecom infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and financing options necessary for implementation across the four countries. The wireless infrastructure for the project is expected to be provided by Vanu Inc., a Massachusetts-based telecommunications firm known for developing cost-effective mobile network solutions tailored for remote and low-density areas.

USTDA Deputy Director, Thomas R. Hardy said the initiative aligns with broader U.S. efforts to expand secure and “trusted” digital infrastructure across Africa, while also creating opportunities for American technology exports.

He noted that the deployment of the base stations would help bridge connectivity gaps by enabling telecom operators to extend services to communities that have traditionally been commercially unviable.

The feasibility study will be carried out by Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, with technical support from Vernonburg Group LLC, a Georgia-based advisory firm.

Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, said the company’s technology is designed to deliver both voice and broadband services efficiently in challenging environments, adding that the initiative could accelerate digital inclusion in West Africa.

Industry analysts say the project could significantly reduce the digital divide between urban and rural populations, providing millions of people with access to mobile communication, digital services and economic opportunities.

The move also reflects growing global competition in Africa’s telecommunications sector, as international players seek to expand influence over the continent’s rapidly developing digital infrastructure landscape.