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In a conversation with Elizabeth Musa, Head of Video Content for BusinessDay, Enoh T. Eboh, Secretary of the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), highlighted the agency’s important role in promoting trade and development between Nigeria and the United States. I made it clear. With a strategic focus on infrastructure, health care, clean energy, and digital transformation, USTDA helps create an environment where major projects can succeed and economic growth can thrive.
Harnessing the power of the diaspora
Mr. Ebo began by emphasizing the important role of the African diaspora in U.S. trade and economic policy. Under the Biden administration, engagement with the African diaspora, particularly Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs, has become central.
“President Biden’s Advisory Council on Engagement with the African Diaspora includes Nigerian members, demonstrating the importance this administration places on contributing to the diaspora,” she said.
USTDA works closely with diaspora communities to advance development initiatives in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. “We recognize the immense value of these global connections. Diaspora not only brings in remittances, but also opens up opportunities for trade, investment and technology transfer,” Ebo explained.
Infrastructure: A pillar of trade and investment
At the heart of USTDA’s mission in Nigeria is a focus on supporting large-scale infrastructure projects. Mr. Eboh highlighted how USTDA’s unique position allows it to de-risk critical infrastructure investments through grant funding. This funding supports the often costly early stages of projects, such as feasibility studies, pilot programs and technical assistance, which are essential to securing further investment.
“Our grant is critical because it supports the foundation that makes the project viable,” Ebaugh said. A focus on sustainable infrastructure ensures that USTDA-funded projects contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth. “Whether in energy, transport or digital infrastructure, we are setting the stage for trade and investment to flourish.”
Healthcare success stories
USTDA’s presence in Nigeria is highlighted by impactful projects, particularly in the health sector.
In 2022, USTDA signed three grants aimed at transforming healthcare access in Nigeria. One such initiative is the modernization and upgrade of Lilly Hospital’s 10 medical facilities, which, when completed, will serve 25,000 patients nationwide.
Another important project involves Sedacrest Hospital in Lagos, where USTDA is working to establish a comprehensive cancer treatment center. The facility aims to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services to over 1,000 patients annually in Abuja. “Cancer treatment is extremely important and we are proud to be part of a project that is making a real difference to people’s lives,” said Ebo.
USTDA also supports Mobile Health’s telemedicine initiative, which focuses on expanding healthcare access to remote areas through digital health solutions. “Telemedicine has proven to be an essential service for Nigeria and our goal is to ensure that this technology reaches even more people,” she added.
Evolution of digital infrastructure
As connectivity becomes increasingly important in today’s economy, USTDA is making digital infrastructure a priority. Under President Biden’s Africa Digital Transformation Initiative, the agency is funding several projects aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
“Connectivity is the backbone of every economic activity today. From e-commerce to healthcare, everything relies on digital infrastructure,” Eboe explained.
One of the key objectives of USTDA’s digital initiative is to improve access to affordable and reliable internet across Nigeria. This is consistent with broader U.S. efforts to increase Africa’s participation in the global digital economy, particularly through innovative technologies that enhance connectivity.
Clean energy: a hybrid approach
In the clean energy field, USTDA has had great success with projects that combine solar power and grid technology to sustainably power communities. Mr. Eboh highlighted how these clean energy projects contribute to both environmental sustainability and economic development by reducing emissions and lowering energy costs.
“Our clean energy projects, including those using hybrid solar technology, are providing much-needed electricity while also addressing climate change,” she said. These projects are already delivering positive results, with solar solutions enhancing electricity access for both businesses and households.
Strategic partnerships: the key to success
USTDA’s success in Nigeria is based on strong partnerships with both the public and private sectors. “Partnerships are at the core of everything we do. We bring together investors, technology suppliers and infrastructure developers to collaborate on projects that drive economic growth,” Ebault stressed.
One of the most notable partnerships is with InfraCredit, Nigeria’s infrastructure credit guarantee company. Through this collaboration, USTDA will support the financing of projects using local currencies, increasing their sustainability in the Nigerian market.
Recent success stories include a solar power-based digital infrastructure project where USTDA funded preparatory work and InfraCredit structured a naira-based transaction that enabled the project to move forward.
“This collaboration with InfraCredit is an example of how we leverage all the tools at our disposal to ensure that projects are not only planned but also executed,” she said. said.
Empowering Nigerian Youth
With Nigeria’s youth population rapidly growing, USTDA is keenly aware of the need to create opportunities for them. “Young people are our future and they are incredibly focused, innovative and eager to make a difference,” Ebaugh said.
To support young entrepreneurs and professionals, USTDA is working to create an enabling environment through infrastructure, partnerships, and access to capital.
USTDA’s efforts aim to provide young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in fields such as digital technology, clean energy, and healthcare. By creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, the agency hopes to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youth and foster economic growth in the process.
Overcoming the challenge: Lack of funding
Although progress has been made, challenges remain, the biggest of which is funding. Ebault stressed that without access to adequate funding, even the best-prepared projects can stall. “Funding is always on my mind. No matter how much preparation I do, if I can’t secure funding, the project won’t move forward,” she says.
To address this, USTDA and its partners have developed innovative solutions, including local currency financing and collaboration with financial institutions such as InfraCredit. These efforts will ensure that projects in critical sectors such as healthcare, energy and infrastructure have the financial backing they need to succeed.
“Funding is a challenge, but with creative solutions and the right partnerships, these projects can become a reality,” she concluded.
conclusion
Mr. Ebo’s leadership of USTDA underscores the agency’s commitment to promoting economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and a focus on key areas such as healthcare, digital infrastructure, and clean energy, USTDA is laying the foundation for Nigeria’s bright future.
If realized, these projects would not only strengthen the relationship between the United States and Nigeria, but also provide lasting benefits to the country’s economy and people.
