• Niger launches committee to draft national digital access strategy

• Projects aim to expand rural 3G/4G, internet, and digital services

• Starlink, World Bank-backed programs support national connectivity push
  

Nigerien authorities are stepping up efforts to expand nationwide access to digital services. On Monday, Oct. 13, Adji Ali Salatou, Minister of Communication and New Information Technologies, launched a special committee to draft a national strategy for universal digital access and an accompanying action plan.

The initiative aims to “extend electronic communication services to many rural areas still lacking connectivity, helping narrow the persistent digital divide between regions and citizens,” Salatou said.

He added that the upcoming strategy will enable the Universal Access Fund to fully deliver on its mandate for national digital development. Created by decree in 2018, the fund is managed by the National Agency for Information Society (ANSI) and financed through contributions from licensed telecom operators (2% of turnover), authorized operators (1%), and additional support from development partners, grants, and public subsidies.

Niger is also implementing the Smart Villages for Rural Growth and Financial Inclusion Project (PVI), funded by the World Bank with $100 million between 2020 and 2026. The program targets 1.9 million rural residents with expanded digital connectivity and financial inclusion services. It includes plans for 3G/4G coverage in 2,175 localities, high-speed internet in 300 schools and 340 health centers, and 150 digital centers nationwide.

Project implementation slowed in 2024 following a political transition in 2023, but discussions on resuming activities took place between Nigerien authorities and the World Bank in June 2025.

In parallel, Niger granted Starlink an operating license in November 2024, with commercial services launching in March 2025. Officials say Starlink’s satellite internet will strengthen national connectivity, while Niger and other Alliance of Sahel States (AES) members plan to launch their own satellites to expand regional telecom coverage.

According to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data, 3G and 4G networks covered only 24% and 17.5% of Niger’s population, respectively, in 2022. The Electronic Communications and Post Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) reported that as of March 2025, geographic coverage had reached 32%, population coverage 77%, mobile penetration 59.73%, and internet penetration 40%. The ITU estimated the national internet penetration rate at 23.2% at the end of 2023.

Isaac K. Kassouwi