New initiative advances U.S. commercial diplomacy agenda in Africa
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2025 — In a bold move to advance America's new commercial diplomacy strategy in Africa, US technology company Cybastion and a consortium of US technology companies unveiled theDigital Fast Trackprogram, a broad digital infrastructure initiative aimed at accelerating Africa's digital transformation and growing U.S. businesses and investments across the continent.
THEDigital Fast Track Programwas announced in late April at a launch event in Washington, D.C. with high-level representatives from the White House, the U.S. and African governments, and the technology and financial sectors.
Powered by American technology and funded by American and African private capital, this ambitious private sector-led initiative aims to provide robust digital infrastructure and support a suite of innovative digital and cybersecurity solutions in African markets.
Led by Cybastion, a Virginia-based technology leader providing digital and infrastructure solutions in Africa, the Digital Fast Track program is designed to help African countries achieve safe and resilient technology growth, while opening unprecedented new opportunities for U.S. businesses and investors.
As the United States reshapes its trade and investment strategy in Africa through the new U.S. Commercial Diplomacy Plan, theDigital Fast TrackThe program offers a model of public-private partnerships that align with U.S. foreign policy goals and advance the digital ambitions of African nations. Since January 2025, Cybastion has signedover $500 million in new transactionsfor digital transformation projects on the continent.
The new U.S. commercial diplomacy plan was announced by Ambassador Troy Fitrell, a senior official in the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs, at the AmCham Business Summit on May 14 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Ambassador Fitrell outlined the U.S. Department of State's six-point plan to boost U.S. trade and investment in Africa, which includes engaging U.S. embassies in Africa to identify U.S. investment opportunities and facilitate partnerships and financing to deliver strategic and economic impact.
With operations already underway in Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, and Guinea, Cybastion’s digital transformation projects reflect a U.S.-Africa business model built on trust, partnership, and long-term growth.
“The Digital Fast Track program is a catalyst for realizing Africa’s digital ambitions by harnessing American technology and innovation,” said Dr. Thierry Wandji, President and CEO of Cybastion. “Cybastion is proud to serve as a bridge, connecting U.S. and African partners, governments and financial institutions, to build a secure digital future that drives growth, innovation and shared prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. »
Anchored by a continental network of sovereign data centers, the U.S.-led initiative will establish a new transatlantic submarine cable connecting Virginia to landing points in West Africa. The installation of the very first submarine cable is expected to start in 2026.
The data centers – all backed by American technology – will serve as launching points for artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological capabilities. Internationally recognized training programs will equip African youth with the skills needed to deploy American technology to advance digital innovation in Africa.
Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant attended the launch event and delivered a rousing speech for the United States to increase bilateral business and investment between the United States and Africa. “Africa is our future and it’s open for business,” said Governor Bryant. As governor, he led trade missions to Africa to explore investment opportunities, including in the aerospace, agricultural equipment, electric power systems and health sectors.
A curated photo exhibition showcasedDigital Fast TrackThe four pillars of: Digital Solutions, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Workforce Training. The training component of the initiative,Africa DigiEmpower, launched in partnership with Cisco, aims to train hundreds of thousands of youth and women across Africa in digital, cybersecurity and AI skills.
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ABOUT CYBASTION:Cybastion is an American technology company that provides world-class digital and cybersecurity solutions to accelerate Africa's digital transformation. Its mission is to strengthen Africa's digital future by creating secure, resilient and reliable digital ecosystems that drive innovation, growth and prosperity. Visitwww.cybastiontech.com
PRESS CONTACTS:
Media Contact:Shanta Bryant Gyan–sbgyan@cybastiontech.com
For more information, please visitwww.cybastiontech.com.
