African Development Bank Approves 200 Million Dollar Loan for Nigeria’s National Fibre Expansion

The AfDB has approved a 200 million dollar loan for Nigeria’s Project Bridge, expanding the national fibre backbone to 120,000km for digital job creation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 9:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Premium Times

Strategic Financial Injection for National Connectivity

The African Development Bank Group has formally approved a 200 million dollar credit facility for the Nigerian government to catalyze the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment project. Known as Project Bridge, or D,VIBE, this flagship initiative focuses on the massive deployment of 90,000 kilometers of open,access fibre across the federation. This latest financial commitment serves as a critical component of a larger 800 million dollar sovereign financing package intended to overhaul the nation’s digital landscape and create sustainable job opportunities for the youth.

Closing the Infrastructure Gap for Economic Ambition

According to Abdul Kamara, the Director General of the African Development Bank Group’s Nigeria Office, the investment is designed to provide the essential backbone infrastructure that has historically been missing. Kamara noted that while the country possesses significant talent and market potential, the lack of high,speed connectivity has acted as a barrier to opportunity. By establishing this digital foundation, the project aims to link farms, factories, and classrooms from the north to the south, ensuring that young Nigerians have the technical resources required to build digital futures.

Consolidated Funding from Global Development Partners

The 200 million dollar approval from the AfDB joins a robust pool of international capital previously secured by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. In February, the project received 500 million dollars from the World Bank and 100 million dollars from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Additionally, the initiative is supported by 50 million euros from the European Union, specifically allocated for digital public services and the 3MTT Nigeria Programme, showcasing a coordinated effort among global development finance institutions.