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