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 – 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
Arlington, VA – Today, U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong signed a technical assistance grant agreement to support the Bulgarian Ministry of Electronic Governance (MEG) as it works to enhance cybersecurity throughout Bulgaria’s public sector. Information Services JSC (Information Services), a state-owned information technology services provider operating within the MEG, signed the agreement on behalf of the Bulgarian government. USTDA’s assistance will develop a roadmap to underpin the implementation and enforcement of a common set of cybersecurity standards and help establish Information Services as the default provider of cybersecurity services across the government.
“USTDA is proud to partner with the Government of Bulgaria to address its priority for a centralized cybersecurity system and common set of cybersecurity standards,” said Director Ebong. “USTDA’s assistance will facilitate the adoption of best practices and highlight how advanced U.S. technologies can provide trusted options for secure, uninterrupted government services for Bulgaria’s citizens.”
In recent years, the Government of Bulgaria has taken steps to strengthen its operational and policy capacity related to e-government, including by establishing MEG in 2022. USTDA’s grant will support MEG’s efforts by developing a roadmap for scaling up Information Services’ operations to establish it as the managed security service provider responsible for coordinating cybersecurity best practices across government agencies. The assistance will also advise on incorporation of open public procurements and better coordination of cybersecurity investments.
“With the strategic partnership and support of USTDA it will be possible to develop and implement a National Cybersecurity System across the public administration of the Republic of Bulgaria,” said Ivaylo Borisov Filipov, Chief Executive Officer of Information Services. “The project for implementation of a National Cybersecurity System across the public administration will bring the Republic of Bulgaria to a new path of cybersecurity protection, ensuring secure and safe interaction and communication with NATO and EU members.”
Bulgaria’s Minister of Electronic Governance, Valentin Mundrov, added: “USTDA’s support fosters the implementation of state-of-the-art national cybersecurity architecture for government bodies and essential services operators in our country. The agreement aims at significantly enhancing the government-wide cybersecurity capacity in Bulgaria contributing to achieving our goals in the field.”
Kenneth Merten, U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, said: “Data security is a top priority for governments everywhere. This program will help equip our partners in the Bulgarian government to protect themselves against malicious cyberattacks and ensure that government and citizen data is safeguarded.”
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded technical assistance should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
USTDA’s assistance aligns with 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
Arlington, VA – Today, U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong signed a grant agreement with the Bulgarian government for a feasibility study to support the safe underground disposal of spent fuel from the country’s nuclear power plants. California-based Deep Isolation US LLC will carry out and cost share the study, which will focus on its pioneering deep borehole technology.
“Bulgaria is prioritizing safety measures that will allow it to expand its nuclear power generation capacity,” said Director Ebong. “Using cutting-edge U.S. technology to create a safe long-term disposal option for spent fuel can also open the door to additional plants being built. USTDA’s support for this project is a continuation of our longstanding engagement with the country’s nuclear energy sector.”
The USTDA-funded study will evaluate the feasibility of disposing spent fuel from existing and future power plants inside boreholes that are located a kilometer or more below ground. The project follows on a decades-long history of USTDA support for nuclear energy in Bulgaria, including studies in the 1990s that led to the deployment of U.S. technologies that strengthened the reliability and safety of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.
Sergey Tzochev, Head of the Board of Directors for State Enterprise Radioactive Waste (SERAW), signed the grant agreement on behalf of the Bulgarian government and commented: “Partnering with Deep Isolation represents a step toward our long-term vision of exploring innovative and sustainable approaches for the safe management of radioactive waste, based on the latest advancements in science and technology.”
“I am delighted that SERAW has contracted Deep Isolation to undertake a feasibility study on the use of our unique patented solution for deep borehole disposal to deliver safe, permanent disposal of the current and anticipated inventory of radioactive waste for geologic disposal in Bulgaria,” said Rod Baltzer, CEO of Deep Isolation. “I am grateful to the U.S. Trade and Development Agency for the financial support it has offered to this initiative, in recognition of the high-value jobs and export opportunities that deep borehole disposal will create for our U.S. supply chain.”
“Today’s signing of this contract for a prefeasibility study is in continuation of the strategic partnership between the Bulgarian Government and the United States. USTDA’s study will be crucial for the Bulgarian strategy for integrated management of radioactive waste,” said Vladimir Malinov, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy.
Kenneth Merten, U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, added: “The United States is delighted to support this study, which is the latest step in our ongoing cooperation towards developing Bulgaria’s nuclear power sector. Developing safe, environmentally friendly spent-fuel storage capacity is critical for Bulgaria to realize its goals of becoming a regional energy hub.”
USTDA’s assistance advances 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
