• Niger is validating a national digital development strategy covering 2026–2035.

• The plan focuses on expanding fiber infrastructure, digital governance, and startups.

• It aims to address a large digital divide, with about 70% of the population still offline.

Niger’s government has begun validating a new national strategy aimed at structuring and expanding the country’s digital economy. On March 11, authorities launched the review of the National Digital Development Policy (PNDN 2026–2035) and the Digital Sector Development Plan (PSDN 2026–2030).

According to an official statement, the strategic frameworks are designed to strengthen digital infrastructure, develop skills, and improve governance of the sector in order to support economic growth.

Among the main measures planned is the expansion of digital infrastructure, particularly the national fiber-optic network. Authorities also aim to position Niger as a regional interconnection hub within West Africa.

For the Minister of Communication and New Information Technologies, Adji Ali Salatou, the validation process represents “an essential step in the national ownership of this policy, as it will allow stakeholders to examine the proposed directions in depth, enrich the planned actions, and ensure that this strategic document truly reflects the priorities and aspirations of our country.”

Le Niger entend se doter d’une Politique nationale de Développement du Numérique 2026-2035

Le Ministre de la Communication et des Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information, M. Adji Ali Salatou a présidé, ce mercredi 11 mars 2026 à Niamey, l’ouverture officielle de l’atelier de… pic.twitter.com/rGoXTDNeay

— Niger Fr (@NigerAr) March 11, 2026

The program also includes the modernization of public administration through the development of e-government services, as well as improved connectivity in rural areas and administrative villages. The government also plans to promote digital financial inclusion, encourage the creation of local digital content, and support the emergence of national startups.

These ambitions come in a context marked by a significant digital divide. According to official data, about 70% of Niger’s population still lacks internet access. Meanwhile, 3G and 4G networks only partially cover the territory, leaving rural areas far less connected than urban centers.

To improve connectivity, several major programs have already been launched with the support of technical and financial partners. One of them is the “Smart Villages” project backed by the World Bank, which aims to connect more than 2,000 rural communities, bring broadband internet to schools and health centers, and promote the expansion of mobile payments.

At the same time, the government is working to expand digital infrastructure through projects such as the construction of a national data center to host public data, the extension of the fiber-optic network, and the improvement of mobile coverage.

The implementation of the strategy will rely on a coordination and monitoring framework tasked with overseeing the execution of planned actions and tracking progress toward the program’s objectives.

Charlène N’dimon