By Chioma Favour
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has held high-level discussions with the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Lerato Mataboge, on expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity across Africa.
The meeting took place at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where both parties explored ways to deepen the AU’s involvement in Project BRIDGE Nigeria’s proposed $2 billion open-access fibre initiative aimed at improving internet access and digital connectivity across the continent.
According to details shared by the minister on his official X account on Friday, discussions focused heavily on the energy requirements needed to sustain large-scale digital infrastructure projects. Both sides agreed that reliable and sustainable power supply will be critical to the long-term success of Project BRIDGE.
Beyond fibre infrastructure, the talks also examined wider investment opportunities capable of driving innovation, boosting economic growth, and expanding digital access across African countries.
Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as another major area of discussion. The meeting reviewed Africa’s readiness to take advantage of AI-driven opportunities, with emphasis placed on the need for shared computing infrastructure and stronger foundational investments to support the continent’s digital future.
The officials also assessed preparations ahead of the upcoming Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT, where African nations are expected to advance a collective digital transformation strategy.
In addition, discussions touched on Africa’s participation at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Both parties stressed the importance of presenting a united African position during leadership elections at the global telecommunications gathering.
The discussions in Addis Ababa underscore Nigeria’s growing ambition to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s digital infrastructure and technology agenda.
