USTDA generates an average of $231 in U.S. exports for every dollar it programs. Since its inception, the Agency has supported more than $120 billion in U.S. exports to the infrastructure projects that it has supported in emerging economies, helping companies create good-paying jobs across the United States.
Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is deepening its strategic partnership with the Philippines by supporting the development of a railway project along the Luzon Economic Corridor. Today, the Agency announced funding for technical assistance to develop the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway, a proposed 132-mile line connecting three of the Philippines’ most critical ports, including Subic Bay. The railway is envisioned to be the backbone of the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will accelerate critical infrastructure investment and drive economic transformation in the Philippines.
“This project underscores the U.S.-Philippines alliance’s vital role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. By supporting the development of the SCMB Railway, we are ensuring that key infrastructure will flourish, increasing economic cooperation to develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director. “Our partnership with the Philippines exemplifies the strength of American leadership in the Indo-Pacific and underscores our commitment to advancing our shared interests.”
USTDA is partnering with the Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) to provide U.S. technical expertise related to transportation modeling, port-rail integration analysis, and legal and institutional planning. This project preparation work will help mobilize financing for the railway’s implementation by addressing Asian Development Bank lending requirements. The SCMB Railway will also generate significant U.S. export opportunities, particularly by providing secure high-tech rail technologies, equipment, and services. Virginia-based The Cadmus Group LLC will conduct the assistance.
The SCMB Railway will also decentralize port activity, ease freight congestion, and enable potential passenger services in the future. The project complements broader efforts under the Luzon Economic Corridor to enhance connectivity and economic resilience across key logistics hubs, alongside contributions from regional allies and partners like Japan.
Philippine Secretary of Transportation Vince Dizon said: “The Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway is a transformative project that will modernize our logistics infrastructure, decongest Metro Manila, and stimulate economic growth in the Philippines. We appreciate USTDA’s support in advancing this critical initiative, which exemplifies the strong cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in developing high-impact infrastructure and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency strengthens U.S. national security by developing overseas infrastructure projects that make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. USTDA is the starting point for critical infrastructure. By funding the upfront work that sets projects in motion, the Agency accelerates the deployment of trusted U.S. technology to advance the shared priorities of the United States and its overseas partners.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), extending their strategic partnership for five years. This agreement underscores a shared commitment to advancing quality infrastructure development across Africa by strengthening national procurement systems and aligning them with international best practices, leveling the playing field for international competition. The MOU also formalizes ongoing coordination to develop a pipeline of bankable projects that can benefit from USTDA’s project preparation grants.
“The extension of our strategic partnership reaffirms our shared commitment to creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa,” said USTDA Spokesperson Paul Marin. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are delivering impactful solutions that promote high-quality, sustainable infrastructure on the continent while increasing opportunity for U.S. companies by promoting fair, transparent, and effective procurement systems.”
The renewed MOU emphasizes enhancing public procurement capabilities to create transparent and efficient systems that support economic growth and sustainable development. A significant new element of the partnership focuses on project preparation, highlighting USTDA and AfDB’s dedication to improving project design and readiness. By leveraging the competitive advantages of U.S. companies in sectors such as energy, transportation, digital and healthcare infrastructure, the partnership aims to integrate innovative solutions into development activities. This strategic approach is intended to attract investment and ensure the successful implementation of infrastructure projects across the continent. The original MOU was signed in 2018 USTDA’s Global Procurement Initiative (GPI).
African Development Bank Senior Vice President Marie Laure Akin-Olugbade said: “This will ensure that we continue to strengthen national procurement institutions, build capacity, and ensure effective implementation of procurement programs within our regional member countries. This fortifies our institutions’ joint ambitions to assist emerging economies in developing policies and procedures promoting best procurement practices, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth across the continent.”
Launched in 2013, GPI is dedicated to assisting public officials in emerging economies to better understand the total cost of ownership of goods and services for infrastructure projects. The initiative now includes 16 partner countries.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that it has awarded a training grant to Zenith Bank Plc (Zenith) to support institutional skillset transformation as it adopts the Azure hyperscale cloud platform from Washington-based Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft). Zenith’s switch to this technology will increase its data processing and storage capacity, enabling it to expand digital banking services while making transactions faster, more secure, and more reliable.
“This grant demonstrates USTDA’s commitment to supporting the deployment of cutting-edge U.S. digital infrastructure in partner countries like Nigeria. Our training grants are an effective tool for strengthening U.S. competitiveness in the global market for highly sensitive digital infrastructure solutions,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Zenith’s procurement will provide its customers with trusted technology that will protect their data and privacy.”
Zenith’s transition to the Azure platform will require organization-wide adaptation of a technology that will also transform internal processes and culture. USTDA’s grant will support training for senior managers and decision-makers on governance and financial management of cloud services, both for immediate and long-term costs. Non-technical training for personnel at all levels will help expedite adaptation to the system by sharing best practices in change management in areas like leadership, innovation and collaboration.
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of Zenith, said: “We are happy to partner with USTDA to revolutionize our cloud infrastructure and drive digital transformation and sustainable growth across Africa. This partnership reflects our shared vision with USTDA to unlock new opportunities, foster economic development, and consequently shape the future of banking. At Zenith Bank, we are committed to leveraging innovative technologies to enhance financial inclusion, improve operational efficiency, and provide exceptional value for our customers.”
Olatomiwa Williams, General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana said: “USTDA’s grant has been instrumental in enabling us to leverage Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud platform, Azure, to transform Zenith Bank’s cloud infrastructure. This collaboration not only enhances Zenith’s digital banking capabilities but also underscores the value of USTDA’s support in fostering U.S. job creation and providing advanced technology in emerging markets. By providing the necessary training and resources, USTDA helps level the playing field for U.S. firms, allowing us to deliver innovative solutions that drive economic growth and secure data privacy for the Nigerian people. Additionally, this initiative will have a significant positive impact on small businesses by providing them with access to advanced cloud technologies, enabling them to innovate and compete more effectively in the digital economy. Microsoft is playing a pivotal role in transforming Financial Services in Nigeria, and through its partnership with Zenith Bank, it is driving digital transformation. USTDA is making focused investments in Nigeria to build modern digital capacity, further supporting this transformative journey.”
USTDA’s training grant assistance supports U.S. firms pursuing international infrastructure deals when they face a competitive disadvantage from foreign competitors whose governments offer incentives exceeding tender requirements. USTDA helps level the playing field for U.S. firms by providing grants that fund specialized training and skillset development programs for emerging economy project sponsors if the U.S. bidder is selected.
USTDA’s assistance advances the U.S. government’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment to deliver game-changing projects to close the infrastructure gap in developing countries; the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative for expanded access to an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet; the Prosper Africa initiative to increase two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced the award of a grant to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) for a feasibility study to support internet access for 12 million people through the deployment of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across the country. FMCIDE selected Washington-D.C.-based HIP Consult Inc. to conduct the study.
“As Nigeria and the United States deepen our cooperation in the technology sector, USTDA is proud to partner with FMCIDE to deliver concrete action in support our shared digital infrastructure goals,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This project will help expand connectivity to Nigeria’s urban and rural communities while opening opportunities for trusted U.S. technologies to advance the country’s digital priorities.”
Director Ebong signed the grant agreement with FMCIDE Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani at the Inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, held at the U.S. Department of State. The study will support Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, particularly its targets to increase the country’s broadband penetration rate from the current 42.27% to 70% and to ensure that at least 90% of the population has access to affordable, reliable broadband coverage.
The study will assess the deployment of at least 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure along existing routes of the national power grid, railways, roads, and oil and gas pipelines. It will identify gaps in the backbone infrastructure market and develop strategies to bridge those gaps to strengthen connectivity across Nigeria, including to underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honorable Minister for Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy of Nigeria said: “I am pleased to receive this grant from USTDA to fund this feasibility study which is a critical component of our plan to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across Nigeria. This is further testament to our long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in technology infrastructure development. I look forward to further collaboration and investments from partners in in the U.S. government and private sector, especially in projects like these that support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.”
“This partnership exemplifies the strong and growing relationship between Nigeria and the United States in the technology sector,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who opened the inaugural technology dialogue. “By working together on this critical infrastructure project, we are not only enhancing internet access for millions of Nigerians but also creating opportunities for U.S. businesses to contribute their expertise and innovative solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and digital inclusion in Nigeria.”
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr. said: “The launch of the Fiber Forward Project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Nigeria. By enhancing connectivity, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also creating inclusive economic opportunities for all Nigerians. This project will empower communities, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth across the nation.”
USTDA’s assistance aligns with the Administration’s priorities, including the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative for expanded access to an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet; the Prosper Africa initiative; the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa; and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency and Paris-based Meridiam SAS (Meridiam) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mobilize capital for infrastructure investment in sub-Saharan Africa through enhanced cooperation on project preparation. Under the arrangement, USTDA aims to program up to $20 million in project preparation assistance over the next five years to leverage a targeted total investment of $1.5 billion from Meridiam.
“USTDA’s engagement with Meridiam will allow us to leverage each other’s skills, expertise, and resources and achieve our shared goal of high-quality infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “USTDA offers more than 30 years of experience preparing projects that feature the innovation of our private sector. Our beneficial collaboration with Meridiam will help mobilize capital for transformational infrastructure projects that our partners in Africa have identified as their priorities.”
The MOU establishes new mechanisms to bring projects to fruition by enhancing information sharing on promising upcoming opportunities and jointly prioritizing projects where interests align. It will leverage USTDA’s project preparation tools, including feasibility studies, technical assistance and pilot projects, with an emphasis on target industries like energy, transportation, and public infrastructure such as water and hospitals. In doing so, the MOU will broaden USTDA’s portfolio and facilitate expedited investment decisions by Meridiam.
Thierry Déau, Founder and CEO of Meridiam, said: “On behalf of Meridiam, I am particularly proud of this official signing which marks an important step in our collaboration with USTDA in Africa. This unique strategic [collaboration] paves the way for promising opportunities that will enable us to go even further together in implementing ambitious and innovative sustainable development projects in the continent.”
The MOU with Meridiam is USTDA’s latest collaboration with a sustainability-focused financial institution. In 2023, the Agency signed an MOU with the Investor Leadership Network, a global coalition of institutional investors representing over $10 trillion in assets.
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About USTDA
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
About Meridiam
Meridiam was founded in 2005 by Thierry Déau, with the belief that the alignment of interests between the public and private sector can provide critical solutions to the collective needs of communities. Meridiam is an independent investment Benefit Corporation and an asset manager. The firm specializes in the development, financing, and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure in three core sectors: sustainable mobility, critical public services and innovative low carbon solutions. With offices in Addis Ababa, Amman, Dakar, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Libreville, Luxembourg, Paris, Vienna and Washington, Meridiam manages over US$22 billion and more than 125 projects to date. Meridiam is certified ISO 9001: 2015, Advanced Sustainability Rating by VigeoEiris (Moody’s), ISO 37001 Anti-Corruption certification by AFNOR and applies a unique methodology in relation to ESG and impact based on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
