Tizeti, a leading Nigerian Internet Service Provider (ISP), is poised to revolutionize internet access and affordability in the country by capitalizing on the Nigerian government’s ambitious 90,000-kilometer fibre-optic backbone project. This transformative initiative, supported by a substantial $2 billion grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), aims to blanket key national infrastructure routes – including power grids, railways, roads, and oil and gas pipelines – with high-capacity fibre-optic cables. Tizeti’s CEO, Kendall Ananyi, has expressed strong confidence that this project will dramatically reduce bandwidth costs, a major obstacle to widespread internet adoption in Nigeria, and unlock a new era of affordable and readily available internet services. This move signifies a critical step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth through enhanced connectivity.
The significance of this national fibre-optic project lies in its potential to address the historically high cost of bandwidth in Nigeria. These exorbitant costs have long hampered the expansion of internet services, particularly in underserved communities, and have limited the potential of the digital economy. By leveraging the government’s investment in this critical infrastructure, Tizeti anticipates slashing its bandwidth costs by an impressive 90%. This cost reduction will free up significant financial resources, allowing Tizeti to accelerate its ambitious FreeFiber.Africa initiative, which aims to bring high-speed, affordable broadband to communities currently lacking adequate internet access. The project’s success hinges on the effective deployment and utilization of the fibre-optic network, a process that demands close collaboration between government agencies, private sector players like Tizeti, and international development partners.
The USTDA grant, officially formalized in a signing ceremony attended by key stakeholders including Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Tizeti CEO Kendall Ananyi, underscores the importance of this project for both Nigeria and the US. The grant not only provides the necessary financial impetus for the project but also signifies a commitment to fostering digital inclusion and economic development in Nigeria. This partnership between the Nigerian government and the USTDA represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future and highlights the potential for international collaboration to drive meaningful progress in bridging the digital divide. The ceremony marks a crucial milestone in the project’s journey, signaling the commencement of the implementation phase.
Tizeti’s FreeFiber.Africa initiative, launched in December and currently serving Lagos and Port Harcourt in Nigeria, as well as Accra in Ghana, aims to democratize access to high-speed internet. By leveraging the cost savings achieved through the national fibre-optic project, Tizeti plans to expand its FreeFiber service to more cities within the coming year. This expansion will empower communities with access to reliable, high-speed internet, unlocking opportunities for education, economic development, and social inclusion. The initiative represents a tangible commitment to bringing the benefits of the digital age to previously underserved populations and fostering a more digitally equitable society.
The FreeFiber broadband service boasts impressive speeds exceeding 1Gbps, significantly surpassing the regional average of 28Mbps and even outpacing the capabilities of 5G and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services. This remarkable speed advantage positions FreeFiber as a game-changer in the Nigerian internet landscape, offering users a vastly superior online experience. The enhanced speed and reliability facilitated by fibre-optic technology will revolutionize how people work, learn, and connect, opening doors to new possibilities and driving innovation across various sectors. This leap in internet speed will empower businesses, enhance educational opportunities, and facilitate seamless access to information and services.
The implementation of the national fibre-optic backbone and Tizeti’s strategic utilization of this infrastructure represent a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s digital transformation. By dramatically reducing bandwidth costs and expanding access to high-speed internet, these initiatives pave the way for a more connected and digitally inclusive future for Nigeria. The impact will be felt across various sectors, from education and healthcare to commerce and entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth and empowering communities with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. This combined effort between the government and the private sector has the potential to unlock unprecedented opportunities for Nigeria and solidify its position as a leader in the African digital economy.
