USTDA Funds Study to Deploy U.S. Wireless Base Stations Across Four West African Countries

By Ifeyinwa Ike

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded funding for a feasibility study to install about 1,500 turnkey 2G/3G mobile base stations across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

This aims to accelerate deployment of trusted U.S.-made wireless technology and close urban‑rural connectivity gaps in West Africa.

The study will be executed by Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc., with support from local partner Vanu Côte d’Ivoire and Vernonburg Group LLC, which will provide U.S. technical expertise to assess the commercial viability of a large-scale deployment.

It will evaluate how the proposed systems can integrate with existing network infrastructure, analyze market and regulatory environments in all four countries, assess legal and operational risks, and develop a comprehensive financing plan to mobilize implementation funding.

USTDA said the project targets economically and operationally challenging markets where improved mobile data and voice services can spur economic activity and connect off-grid communities.

The agency expects the study to demonstrate that connectivity in these markets can be profitable, sustainable and scalable, and to catalyse private investment and U.S. exports of telecommunications equipment and services.

“By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make American products more prosperous,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director.

Andrew Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., added that Vanu is proud to demonstrate systems based on open interfaces and architectures that can enable mobile network operators in West Africa to deliver broadband internet access in underserved areas.

In a statement, the U.S Embassy in Nigeria said the study will also explore network management systems, spectrum and regulatory frameworks, and pathways to finance procurement and large‑scale deployment.

USTDA describes the grant as part of its broader mission to fund upfront technical work that accelerates infrastructure development in emerging markets and advances shared strategic priorities between the United States and partner countries.