Nigeria Launches National Strategy to Bridge Digital Divide via Community Connectivity

• At least 82 million rural Nigerians currently lack internet access, with many communities also underserved regarding electricity.
• A multi-stakeholder group developed the 'National Strategy for Community-Centred Connectivity Initiatives (CCCIs)' in 2024 to foster an enabling environment for connectivity, with a roadmap running through March 2027.
• The National Advisory Committee for Community Networks in Nigeria (NACN) leads the initiative, involving regulators, civil society, and local communities to transition from planning to implementation.

Strategic Priorities

• Creating supportive policy and regulatory frameworks for community-led initiatives.
• Fostering increased investment in digital infrastructure and building community management capacity.
• Promoting digital inclusion across all demographics and developing robust monitoring mechanisms.
• Establishing strong, sustainable partnerships among stakeholders.

Operational Models and Challenges

• Regulators are exploring 'aggregator models' to streamline licensing for over 100,000 potentially eligible communities, drawing lessons from international and local banking systems.
• Pilot implementations, such as voucher-based Wi-Fi and satellite connectivity combined with local ISPs, are testing financial independence.
• CITAD is aligning grassroots digital-literacy programs with the National Digital Transformation Agenda, aiming for 75% digital literacy by 2032.

Gender Equity Focus

• Gender-sensitive workstreams involve mentorship programs and 'women's circles' in six regions, empowering women to manage digital hubs and provide technical support.
• Policy briefs on gender-sensitive ICT policies are being integrated into the upcoming National Broadband Plan (2026–2030) to ensure women's participation as co-creators of digital networks.