Niger, like many African nations, is pursuing digital technology as a key driver of development. The government's roadmap prioritizes modernizing administration, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding access to digital services.

Niger will adopt a national policy for the development of its digital sector next month, the government said last Wednesday. Speaking on Radio Télévision du Niger (RTN), Minister of Communication, Posts, and Digital Economy Sidi Mohamed Raliou said the policy aims to structure and accelerate the country’s digital transformation, making digital technology a driver of growth and modernization.

The national policy will encompass all sectors and government administrations, he explained. The objective is to digitize public services, gradually eliminating paper documents and optimizing service management. The policy will be supported by connectivity infrastructure, including fiber optic deployment to interconnect different regions.

The initiative is part of a broader set of strategic projects designed to strengthen Niger’s digital sector. These projects include the launch of three satellites for communications, remote sensing, and airspace surveillance, as well as the construction of a national data center to secure and centralize digital data.

Additionally, the government plans to establish a National Cybersecurity Agency to oversee IT system protection, combat cyber threats, and raise public awareness about cybersecurity best practices. Efforts are underway to improve nationwide internet access, particularly in rural areas.

The policy aligns with Niger’s ambition to modernize digital services and attract investment in the telecommunications sector. In 2024, the country scored 0.1578 out of 1 on the Telecom Infrastructure Index (TII), significantly below the African average of 0.4534, according to the United Nations. In terms of e-governance, Niger ranked 187th out of 193 countries with an index score of 0.2116. These figures highlight the significant efforts needed to enhance the country’s digital transformation.

Once adopted, the national digital policy is expected to transform Niger’s digital ecosystem by strengthening infrastructure, expanding access to online services, and improving cybersecurity. The development of broadband and the expansion of internet coverage will foster greater digital inclusion, enabling citizens and businesses to benefit from modern tools.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji