In November 2025, Niger officially completed provisional acceptance of the fibre-optic sections built under the Trans-Sahara Optical Fibre Backbone Project (TSB) – a project financed by the African Development Bank Group
The cost of the project is estimated at €43 million, with financing from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group's concessional window, and a national counterpart.
The project has two major components: first, the construction of a 1,031-km national and cross-border fibre-optic network; and secondly, the installation of a Tier III national data centre.
The fibre-optic sections cover five key routes in the country: Arlit-Assamaka to the Algerian border; Diffa to N'Guigmi and the Chad border; Zinder to Magaria and the Nigerian border; Niamey to Dosso, Gaya and the Benin border; and Niamey to Makalondi and the Burkina Faso border.
In addition to these five sections, an 88-km urban local loop will connect the main administrative sites to the future national data centre.
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A decisive step towards a better-connected Africa
The Minister of Communication and New Information Technologies, Adji Ali Salatou, recalled the government's vision in this respect: "With the forthcoming commissioning of these various links, the vision and desire of His Excellency General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic and Head of State, is becoming a reality. His Programme for the Refoundation of the Republic provides for a national network of very high-speed telecommunications infrastructure open to the sub-region, and the opening up of Niger to the information and knowledge age."
In his address, Tangara added: "We would like to salute an important milestone in the construction of a connected, inclusive and technologically sovereign Africa."
The Bank Group's country representative in Niger pointed out that the Trans-Sahara backbone represents a strategic lever for strengthening interconnections between several countries in the sub-region (Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mali and Mauritania) and reducing connectivity costs for people, administrations and businesses.
In particular, the project will improve Niger's digital resilience, accelerate the digitization of public services and create new economic opportunities for young people, thanks to high-quality broadband connectivity.
The TSB project coordinator, Abdoulkarim Soumaila, underlined the concrete impact of the project on tackling the digital divide, reducing connectivity costs and promoting new digital services, namely e-commerce, mobile financial services and e-government. He also pointed out that the project had made a major contribution to local employment in the areas concerned.
"This network is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new chapter for digital technology in Niger", argued Mr Tangara, calling for efficient and sustainable use of the infrastructure for the benefit of citizens.
Addressing the niger digital gap through infrastructure development
Bridging the digital divide in Niger requires a solid foundation of infrastructure. For too long, large parts of the country have been left behind, unable to access the benefits of the online world. This isn't just about social media; it's about access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Project BRIDGE: A public-private partnership for national connectivity
Think of Project BRIDGE as a major effort to lay down the digital highways across Niger. It's a collaborative project, bringing together government bodies and private companies. The main goal here is to significantly expand the reach of fibre optic networks. This initiative aims to connect millions of homes and vital public services, creating a more unified and accessible digital landscape. It's a complex undertaking, involving substantial investment and careful planning to ensure that the new infrastructure can support the growing demand for internet services across the nation.
Expanding fibre optic networks to underserved areas
While national projects are important, the real challenge lies in reaching the places that have been overlooked. This involves pushing fibre optic cables further out, into rural communities and remote regions where connectivity is currently poor or non-existent. It's about making sure that a student in a small village has the same chance to learn online as someone in the capital. This expansion is key to ensuring that no one is left on the wrong side of the digital divide simply because of where they live.
Innovative solutions for remote connectivity
Satellite broadband for rural and desert regions
When you're far from the usual phone masts, getting online can be a real challenge. In Niger, especially in the more remote parts of the country and even out into the desert, traditional internet infrastructure just doesn't reach. This is where satellite broadband starts to make a difference. Companies are bringing internet access to places that were previously cut off. It means people in villages, travellers passing through the desert, and even those involved in activities like gold mining can get connected. This isn't just about checking emails; it's about enabling communication and business in areas where a signal was once a distant dream. Sometimes, whole neighbourhoods even pool their money to get a shared satellite connection, showing how important it is for communities to stay in touch and do business online.
Community-driven access to internet services
Beyond just the technology, there's a real community aspect to getting more people online. In some rural areas, you'll find people gathering around a single Wi-Fi router, especially on market days. It's not just about individual use; it becomes a shared resource. For those living far from any town or even a reliable phone signal, satellite equipment is becoming a lifeline. People are finding ways to share these connections, whether it's neighbours chipping in for a communal dish or businesses offering access points. This shared approach helps spread the benefits of the internet wider, allowing people to connect with family, access information, and participate more in the digital world, even when they're far from the usual city centres.
