Niger has completed a 1,031-km fiber optic backbone under the Trans-Sahara Optical Fibre Backbone Project, significantly enhancing national and regional connectivity.

Overview of the Project

Niger's fiber optic initiative, part of the Trans-Sahara Optical Fibre Backbone (TSB) Project, was financed by the African Development Bank Group with an estimated cost of €43–50 million, including contributions from the African Development Fund and national counterparts . The project aims to improve broadband access, reduce digital isolation, and strengthen regional integration with neighboring countries.

Network Scope and Routes

The network spans 1,031 km across five key routes connecting Niger internally and to its borders:

• Arlit–Assamaka–Algerian border (220 km)
• Diffa–N'Guigmi–Chadian border (186 km)
• Zinder–Magaria–Nigerian border (117 km)
• Niamey–Dosso–Gaya–Benin border (300 km)
• Niamey–Makalondi–Burkina Faso border (118 km) Additionally, an 88-km urban local loop links main administrative sites to a planned Tier III national data center .

Regional Connectivity

As a landlocked country, Niger previously lacked direct access to submarine cables. The new backbone allows connections to neighboring countries with major landing points:

• Nigeria: 8 submarine cables
• Benin: 3 cables
• Algeria: 5 cables (2 more expected by 2026)
• Chad: Routes to Cameroon, Sudan, and Libya
• Burkina Faso: Access via Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire This integration provides more resilient international connectivity and reduces costs for businesses, administrations, and citizens.

Impact and Benefits

The fiber optic network is expected to:

• Enhance broadband access across Niger, where only 20% of the population previously had internet access .
• Support digital services such as e-commerce, mobile financial services, and e-government .
• Boost economic opportunities for youth and improve public service digitization .
• Strengthen regional digital integration, linking Niger with Algeria, Nigeria, Chad, Benin, and Burkina Faso . The project represents a strategic step toward a connected, inclusive, and technologically sovereign Africa, aligning with Niger's national vision for high-speed telecommunications infrastructure .

Conclusion

Niger's completion of the Trans-Sahara fiber optic backbone marks a major milestone in national and regional digital connectivity, providing the country with a robust platform for economic growth, digital services, and integration into the broader African digital ecosystem .