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 infrastructure projects in emerging economies, helping companies create good-paying jobs across the United States.
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).
Arlington, VA – Today, U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong signed a technical assistance grant with state-owned Bulgaria Energy Holding EAD (BEH) to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant technology and advance the country’s energy security and clean energy goals. Specifically, USTDA’s assistance will present BEH with a detailed technical analysis of U.S.-sourced SMR design options to support its planned deployment of one or more SMR nuclear power plants.
“The collaboration between USTDA and BEH will support Bulgaria’s interest in specific U.S. SMR technologies as it plans the expansion of its nuclear capabilities,” said Director Ebong. “Our assistance will support Bulgaria’s goal of remaining a regional leader in electricity production while supporting international decarbonization efforts.”
In addition to providing detailed technical analysis, USTDA’s assistance will also examine potential sites for BEH’s planned SMR power plants and develop a roadmap outlining a path to implementation, including an approach to securing financing.
Bulgaria has invested in nuclear energy for more than 50 years and aims to use new SMR technology to increase energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from government activities. The technical assistance follows on a decades-long history of USTDA support for nuclear energy in Bulgaria, including studies in the 1990s that helped deploy U.S. technologies to strengthen the reliability and safety of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.
“Today’s signing of this agreement for a prefeasibility study is in continuation of the strategic partnership between the Bulgarian Government and the United States,” said Bulgarian Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov. “USTDA’s study will be crucial for the application of the new SMR energy technology in Bulgaria.”
“Bulgaria is on the path to becoming a leader in the green energy field and a provider of safe, reliable power for the entire region. This important study is poised to contribute significantly to achieving both those goals by introducing state-of-the-art small modular reactor technology to Bulgaria’s current and future energy mix, said U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten.
This technical assistance is the latest addition to USTDA’s portfolio of nuclear energy-related activities, including project preparation in Indonesia, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine, and a workshop series for civil nuclear energy leaders from nearly 20 countries in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded technical assistance should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
This grant supports the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019, which prioritizes assistance to develop energy infrastructure in Europe and Eurasia, and the 2024 U.S.-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Agreement outlining cooperation on the development of Bulgaria’s civil nuclear power program.
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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, U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong signed a grant agreement with Bulgaria’s State Enterprise National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) for a feasibility study to support reliable high-speed internet through the deployment of fiber optic cables along Bulgaria’s railways. The study will also help develop infrastructure to monitor the network and aggregate and protect sensitive government data. NRIC selected Virginia-based By Light Professional IT Services LLC to conduct the study.
“USTDA’s partnership with NRIC will help strengthen connectivity across Bulgaria and provide more secure service for its consumers, government and critical infrastructure operators,” said Director Ebong. “At the same time, this project offers a broad set of potential business opportunities for U.S. companies to offer innovative technologies and services.”
The USTDA-funded feasibility study will include design, engineering and planning to support the replacement and expansion of existing cables across 1,500 miles of NRIC’s rail infrastructure, as well as a unified cybersecurity system for the fiberoptic network.
“The grant from USTDA will enable the selection of a qualified contractor with extensive experience in research and construction of fiber optic networks for critical infrastructure,” said Stoyan Stoyanov, NRIC’s Director General. “The construction of a uniform national fiber-optic network will allow a quick and efficient transition to the most modern telecommunication services, the introduction of new standards in the management of the processes within the company, new technological solutions for the overall management of safety and the organization of the railway traffic in Bulgaria.”
U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten stated: “As Bulgaria continues to develop its highly regarded service industries, nationwide access to secure, high-speed internet connectivity is essential. This project will help ensure that the entire country is able to participate in this increasingly important part of the national and global economy.”
“We are grateful to our partners for supporting our efforts for a more modern and safe railway infrastructure, which would answer the current needs of our society. Implementing new technologies for directing the transportation, automatization, and smart transport systems will enhance the safety and efficiency of the railway transport as a whole,” said Bulgarian Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova
USTDA’s support for the project advances the U.S. Government’s International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy, which prioritizes developing and deploying technology that is open, safe, and secure.
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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
