Fibre is infrastructure. The investment case must go further.

Digital infrastructure can be discussed as though demand for connectivity were enough to establish an investment case. Demand matters, but a network also needs a commercial structure that turns use into dependable revenue.

The World Bank’s October 2026 private-capital update describes BRIDGE as a public-private approach to an open-access fibre network in Nigeria. The significance is the proposed combination of public objectives and private participation, rather than a simple invitation for any technology business to apply for funding.

Follow the customer relationships

A network’s reach and its paying customer base are related but different measures. Investors need to understand who contracts for capacity, how access is priced and which counterparties are responsible for payment.

Open access also brings operational questions. Service quality, connection arrangements and maintenance responsibilities affect whether the infrastructure can support the businesses expected to use it. Those details belong in the commercial plan rather than being left entirely to technical appendices.

Long assets need a view of change

Physical network infrastructure may have a long useful life, while customer requirements and competitive conditions evolve. Capital planning needs to account for upgrades, resilience and the operating capability required to keep the service relevant.

For sponsors considering opportunities around connectivity, the immediate task is to identify their actual role. Building infrastructure, supplying equipment and selling services over a network create different funding needs and risks.

B&A’s perspective is that digital projects deserve the same financing discipline as transport or energy assets. Establish the contracting model, the cost of maintaining performance and the evidence supporting revenue.

Connecting places creates possibility. A clear operating and commercial model helps turn that possibility into a proposition capital providers can assess.