The US Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Nairobi-based internet service provider Poa Internet Kenya Ltd (“Poa Internet”) for a feasibility study to help expand affordable internet connectivity to one million households in low-income urban areas outside of Kenya
USTDA and Poa Internet signed the grant agreement in a ceremony held at the US-Africa Leaders Summit.
“Poa Internet’s use of fixed wireless technology is particularly well suited to urban areas. It is also a segment in which U.S. companies are particularly competitive,” said Enoh T Ebong, USTDA’s director. “Our partnership will help increase access to affordable internet and contribute to the vibrant economy of Africa’s cities.”
The USTDA-funded study will include a market assessment of 14 African countries and recommend three target markets for Poa Internet’s expansion outside of Kenya. The study will then provide a detailed market analysis for these markets, including a supply and demand assessment, regulatory and legal analysis, an environmental and social impact assessment, and go-to-market recommendations.
“Poa Internet has been facilitating access to unlimited affordable broadband to underserved lower-income urban communities across Kenya,” said Andy Halsall, the Poa Internet CEO. “We are delighted to form this partnership with USTDA as we continue with our journey to bring affordable internet access to Africa. This grant from USTDA will support our geographic expansion and goals of advancing inclusive, secure and sustainable connectivity to lower-income urban communities.”
Since 1992, USTDA has supported over 100 information and communications technology activities in nearly 40 African countries. This project supports Access Africa, USTDA’s initiative to support the development of inclusive, secure, and sustainable ICT infrastructure across Africa, and the U.S. government’s Prosper Africa initiative to substantially increase two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa.
Hosted by president Biden, the U.S.Africa Leaders Summit highlights how the United States and African nations are strengthening partnerships to advance shared priorities. The Summit reflects the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which emphasise the critical importance of the region to meet this era’s defining challenges.
