• Zamani Telecom calls for a more favorable investment codeto support infrastructure spending and market competitiveness.

• The operator’s annual investments dropped sharply from CFA33.8 billion in 2020 to CFA8.9 billion in 2024.

• Zamani lost subscribers and market share across mobile and mobile internet segments amid intensifying competition.

Zamani Telecom, a mobile operator in Niger, has urged authorities to revise the current investment code in order to encourage capital inflows. The company presented this request during a visit by Adji Ali Salatou, Minister of Communication and New Information Technologies, to its headquarters on March 12.

The proposal aims to support the government’s broader reform agenda while also strengthening the operator’s position in the domestic telecom market. Officials have not disclosed detailed information about the proposed changes. However, the request could allow Zamani Telecomto increase investment in network infrastructure and improve service delivery.

“This visit allowed us to conduct an assessment and to review the availability of equipment resources in Niger, both in the private and public sectors, in telecommunications and communication,”Adji Ali Salatousaid, according to public media outlet Le Sahel.

Official data show that Zamani Telecom has reduced its annual investments significantly. The company invested CFA33.8 billion ($59.2 million)in 2020. The company reduced this figure to CFA8.9 billionin 2024. The operator currently operates around 800 sitesand maintains about 40 partners, based on figures reported in September 2023.

Authorities have previously considered a merger between Zamani Telecomand Niger Télécoms. Official data attribute a territorial coverage rate of 29%to the operator, while its network reaches 87% of the population.

Zamani Telecomhas faced sustained pressure in a market shared with Airtel, Moov Africaand Niger Télécoms. According to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP), the operator reported 4.19 million mobile subscribers and a 24.19% market share as of June 2025.

The company recorded about 5.2 million subscribers in December 2022. It therefore lost more than one million subscribers over that period. The company also reported significant losses in the mobile internet segment.

Zamani Telecom counted about 1.07 million mobile internet subscribersand held a 13% market shareas of June 2025. The company ranked behind Airteland Moov Africa, but ahead of Niger Télécoms. The operator lost approximately 63.1% of its mobile internet subscribers compared with December 2022, when it had 2.9 million users and ranked second in the market.

According to the Nigerian Press Agency, Adji Ali Salatoure affirmed the government’s willingness to support the operator. “Despite difficulties related to the environment, we remain available and ready to support you,” he said. The minister also expressed hope that energy-related constraints would ease following a decree adopted in early March that grants exemptions for renewable energy.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum