USTDA generates an average of $231 in U.S. exports for every dollar it programs. Since its inception, the Agency has supported more than $119 billion in U.S. exports to infrastructure projects in emerging economies, helping companies create good-paying jobs across the United States.
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a technical assistance grant with Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) for the development of priority smart city infrastructure in Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara. These technologies will help optimize government resources, increase sustainability, and improve quality of life for residents of the new city.
“In everything we do, USTDA works with partners like Indonesia to support the priorities that they have chosen for their countries,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “In the case of Nusantara, our goal is to facilitate the deployment of U.S. technology to enhance the creation of a world-class capital city that is sustainable, efficient, connected, livable and inclusive.”
Cities face the challenge of identifying the most appropriate technologies for their needs and making procurement decisions that favor longer-term quality over short-term cost. USTDA’s assistance will develop a customized approach to integrating smart city applications like data analytics, artificial intelligence, and internet of things. The study will provide detailed designs, technical specifications, procurement documentation and a capacity building strategy.
USTDA’s technical assistance joins a series of Agency activities in support of Nusantara’s infrastructure, including an April 2024 reverse trade mission, a training workshop in Jakarta, and business forum events to familiarize Indonesian decision makers with U.S. smart city solutions and best practices for implementation.
“Developing a smart sustainable forest city of Nusantara provides the unique opportunity to incorporate state-of-the-art technology and sustainable green environment to enhance our quality of life,” said Prof. Mohammed Ali Berawi, OIKN Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation. “We invite international collaboration to be part of the development of a livable and lovable city of Nusantara. I express my appreciation for the support of USTDA in participating on Nusantara development, a global city for all.”
“This grant from USTDA is the latest demonstration of the United States’ commitment to building on our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in pursuit of shared priorities like inclusive economic growth and a just energy transition,” said Michael Kleine, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Indonesia.
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded technical assistance should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
The technical assistance supports Biden-Harris Administration priority initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, including the goal of developing, expanding, and deploying secure digital infrastructure to power economic growth and facilitate open digital societies
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong will travel to Long Beach and Los Angeles, California from May 1-3 to meet local leaders and connect Southern California businesses to the infrastructure projects that USTDA supports in emerging economies.
“Long Beach and Los Angeles are vital gateways for trade with Asia, the Western Hemisphere, and beyond. As a center for American innovation, Southern California is also home to many companies whose technology is well suited to the infrastructure needs of these overseas markets,” said Director Ebong. “Working in collaboration with local officials and industry, USTDA sees great opportunity to support jobs through exports across the region.”
In Los Angeles, Director Ebong will participate in a briefing hosted by Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove for local Latin American-owned companies to learn more about accessing USTDA-generated business opportunities. She will also meet with USTDA’s Making Global Local partners to deepen collaboration for outreach to local companies and update them on USTDA’s latest priorities.
While in California, Director Ebong will deliver remarks at the 98th World Trade Week Southern California Kickoff Conference, visit the Port of Long Beach and the Los Angeles International Airport’s screening facilities, and participate in a municipal and private sector panel hosted by the City of Long Beach on U.S. innovations in smart cities.
In furtherance of USTDA’s Indonesia programming, Director Ebong will speak at a USTDA-hosted Business and Investment Roundtable for U.S. smart cities technology providers, financiers, and investors to engage with Indonesian government officials on opportunities for the development of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara. Information on participating is located on USTDA’s website: https://www.ustda.gov/events/.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant agreement with pan-African technology company, CSquared Link Holdings (Mauritius) Ltd (CSquared) for a feasibility study to help hundreds of thousands of Africans gain access to affordable broadband for the first time through the development of an open-access cross-continental fiber optic backbone. U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, witnessed USTDA’s grant signing ceremony at the 2024 American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
“USTDA is partnering with CSquared to develop Africa’s first open-access trans-continental digital infrastructure, which will empower inland African communities by connecting them to the digital economy,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “The grant also stands as a testament to USTDA’s proactive role in advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s Digital Transformation with Africa initiative while creating new opportunities for U.S. solutions to address African digital priorities.”
The USTDA-funded study will include an assessment of potential fiber backbone routes through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The study will also assess expanding fiber network infrastructure along the backbone and extending last-mile connections to towers, businesses and homes. The project will help expand affordable, high-capacity broadband to inland African communities.
“For the continent’s development as a whole, it is essential to bridge the digital divide. CSquared has a vision to digitally connect Africa and make connectivity more accessible and more affordable,” said CSquared Group Chief Financial Officer Eddie Irungu. “USTDA has been proactively instrumental in providing this feasibility study grant. The project is to build a cross-continental open-access backbone highway, with metro and last mile networks subsequently built along the way. This is very promising as it would be the first of its kind to provide landlocked areas with open access to affordable connectivity to subsea cables on both sides of the continent.”
“Digital access is transforming the economic landscape in Kenya and across Africa by opening new opportunities for businesses, workers and entrepreneurs. We are excited to partner with Kenya to provide affordable and accessible internet to more communities,” said U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
USTDA’s assistance advances Biden-Harris Administration priorities, including the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative for expanded access to an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet; Prosper Africa; and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. USTDA’s programming also follows through on commitments made at the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant agreement with Kenyan telecommunications company Wilken Group Ltd (Wilken Group) for a feasibility study to address Kenya’s internet affordability gap through the development of new fiber optic and 5G infrastructure between Mombasa and Malaba. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo witnessed USTDA’s grant signing ceremony at the 2024 American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
“Our partnership with the Wilken Group will help address the growing demand for secure, affordable, high-quality internet connectivity that can catalyze economic growth,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “USTDA support for this project opens another gateway for U.S. companies to actively participate in East Africa’s burgeoning digital infrastructure markets.”
The USTDA-funded study will assess the construction of a wholesale open access fiber optic network and a series of 5G-capable towers across approximately 730 miles (1,170 km) of railway between the cities of Mombasa and Malaba, where future demand for fiber connectivity is projected to outstrip the capacity of existing infrastructure.
“USTDA’s grant funding will significantly enhance the importance of the project by validating capacity demand and measuring project impact nationally,” said Graham Shaw, Wilken Group Chief Executive Officer. “The grant will support the Government of Kenya’s mandate to focus on enhancing the digital space.”
“Reliable connectivity is critical to economic prosperity in Africa. This USTDA grant demonstrates the United States’ commitment to partnering with Kenya to create digital infrastructure that will empower Kenyans,” said U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
USTDA’s assistance advances Biden-Harris Administration priorities, including the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative to expand digital access on the continent, Prosper Africa, and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. USTDA’s programming also follows through on commitments made at the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
Arlington, VA – On the occasion of Earth Day, U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong reaffirmed USTDA’s commitment to safeguarding our environment by supporting the development of green infrastructure in emerging economies around the world. She also celebrated the three-year anniversary of the Agency’s flagship Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure (Global Climate Partnership).
“Through the Global Climate Partnership, USTDA has funded more than 80 activities in pursuit of a greener future for the energy and transportation sectors. U.S. companies are very competitive in low-emissions climate-resilient infrastructure innovations, and USTDA’s programming promotes their deployment to emerging economies that are seeking climate solutions,” said Director Ebong. “We deploy our full set of capabilities to advance sustainable infrastructure in pursuit of net-zero emissions, sustainable development, and energy security. Our authority to pilot U.S. technologies overseas also allows USTDA to help catalyze financing and replication of promising technologies.”
USTDA’s diverse climate mitigation portfolio of project preparation and partnership-building activities advances global commitments to reduce methane emissions, triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and triple nuclear power capacity by 2050.
- Methane Abatement Technologies: There is global consensus that reducing methane emissions is the fastest way to slow the pace of global climate change. Methane abatement technologies advance climate and energy security goals while monetizing an otherwise wasted energy source. Among other projects in the pipeline, USTDA has funded a series of reverse trade missions to connect energy sector leaders in 15 countries to U.S. companies that are ready to assist in tackling this challenge.
- Renewable-Plus-Storage Solutions: Renewable energy sources coupled with battery storage technology provide affordable access to clean, reliable and flexible power in communities that lack connection to a national power grid, creating an alternative to diesel and other fossil fuel sources. USTDA supports these weather-resistant “renewable-plus-storage” projects around the world, including projects in the Dominican Republic, Fiji, Indonesia, St. Lucia, and Zambia.
- Civil Nuclear Energy: USTDA is at the forefront of supporting our partners to develop frameworks for nuclear energy deployment and to advance individual infrastructure needs, including through small modular and other advanced nuclear reactors. USTDA’s recent portfolio of nuclear energy-related activities supports deployment of these effectively zero-emissions energy sources. In Poland and Romania, USTDA’s assistance led to the selection of U.S. technology for pioneering nuclear energy projects.
- Piloting U.S. Innovation: USTDA funds overseas pilot projects of U.S. technology, including advanced geothermal energy, ocean thermal energy conversion, and machine learning in electric grid management. Pilot projects can facilitate financing, scaling and replication across countries and regions.
USTDA is also investing in programming to support the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) initiative including through activities that enhance disaster preparedness, prepare for emergency response, and increase resilience in electrical grids and water systems in the face of unprecedented climate stresses. A whole-of-government initiative, PREPARE aims to help more than half a billion people in developing countries adapt to and manage climate change impacts.
The Agency’s climate and environment work also advances the U.S. government’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, supports the United States’ commitment to progress on the Global Methane Pledge, and contributes to the fulfillment of commitments at COP28. USTDA is also a partner in the Net Zero World initiative.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov
