Nigeria’s Project BRIDGE is expected to model new connectivity routes that could reduce the cost of internet access in Burkina Faso by up to 50%.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Thursday following discussions with Burkina Faso’s Minister for Digital Transition, Posts and Communication, Dr Aminata Zerbo Sabané, in Ouagadougou.
Tijani said the two countries discussed connectivity under Project BRIDGE, a Nigerian government initiative aimed at expanding high-speed, affordable and resilient broadband infrastructure.
According to him, the project will not only serve Nigeria’s domestic connectivity needs but will also explore regional routes that could improve internet access across neighbouring countries.
“Beyond delivering faster, more affordable and resilient internet for Nigerians, our teams will also model connectivity routes through Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and Benin, with the ambition of identifying a pathway to reduce the cost of internet connectivity in Burkina Faso by as much as 50%,” he said.
Nigeria, Burkina Faso to establish technical committee
Nigeria and Burkina Faso have agreed to establish a Technical Working Committee to develop the framework for implementing the digital partnership.
Tijani said the cooperation will extend beyond fibre infrastructure to include digital skills and talent development, with Nigeria expected to share elements of its 3 Million Technical Talent, 3MTT, programme with Burkina Faso.
The two countries will also strengthen connections between their startup ecosystems and collaborate on Burkina Faso’s Innovation Campus.
The partnership will further cover artificial intelligence, local language technologies, shared computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and research.
The planned connectivity routes are expected to provide Burkina Faso with additional access to international internet infrastructure through Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, potentially improving competition, resilience and affordability.
Nigeria seeks stronger digital links with neighbours
The engagement with Burkina Faso forms part of a broader four-country regional engagement by Nigeria focused on strengthening digital cooperation with its neighbours.
Tijani said the latest visit followed Nigeria’s recent engagement with the Benin Republic, while planned visits to Niger and Chad will complete the four-country outreach.
The Minister said Nigeria’s objective is to leverage its growing digital infrastructure and technology capabilities to promote shared economic opportunities across its borders.
He said the partnerships are also intended to deepen regional economic integration and position Nigeria as a trusted digital gateway to West Africa and the Sahel.
Project BRIDGE is part of Nigeria’s broader push to expand broadband infrastructure and improve the affordability and resilience of digital connectivity, while creating infrastructure that can support greater regional digital integration.
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