USTDA Bolsters Digital Infrastructure Along West Africa
In September 2026, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed two funding agreements to bolster digital infrastructure in Africa. The first agreement was with InfraGora Global Capital to carry out a feasibility study for two AI-ready data centers in Nigeria. In addition, USTDA formalized its backing of Africa Interconnection (AFR-IX) Telecom’s feasibility study to extend on the exisitng Medusa Submarine Cable down Africa’s Atlantic Coast, thus enhancing broadband connectivity for 22 countries altogether.
Infragora’s study will conduct both technical and financial assessments of the data centers, while keeping in mind the hosting of AI services. USTDA has set out the mandate that the project should generate business opportunities for American firms to provide AI hardware and software, cloud and storage servers, high-performance computing and networking hardware, and cybersecurity solutions.
Infragora Kiel Odiogo outlined his company’s flagship pan-African initiative codenamed Afridata to provide critical digital infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond to enhance economic growth, while keeping pace with technological advancements around the world. The study will also strive to find solutions to potential limitations in terms of power generation, by considering green sources and recycling of heat. The two data centers are in the Lagos and Delta states.
As for AFR-IX, the company will focus on expanding of the Medusa Subsea Optic Cable System. AFR-IX CEO Norman Albi underlined that fast, reliable and affordable connectivity is the foundation of the digital economy, and AFR-IX is proud to accompany Africa along its digital roadmap.
