Niger has launched the validation process for a new national digital strategy designed to expand connectivity, foster economic growth, and develop the country’s technology sector, officials said Friday.
The strategic framework consists of the National Digital Development Policy (PNDN 2026–2035) and the Digital Sector Development Plan (PSDN 2026–2030). Authorities said the plans aim to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve governance, develop technical skills, and support the emergence of startups and digital businesses across the country.
Among the key objectives is the expansion of fiber-optic networks to increase internet access nationwide and position Niger as a regional interconnection hub within West Africa. The strategy also includes modernizing public administration through e-government services, extending connectivity to rural communities and administrative villages, and promoting digital financial inclusion.
Adji Ali Salatou, Minister of Communication and New Information Technologies, said 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.”
The government’s digital ambitions respond to a significant digital divide: official data indicate that around 70 percent of Niger’s population still lacks internet access. Mobile networks including 3G and 4G cover only parts of the territory, leaving rural areas and remote villages largely disconnected.
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To address these challenges, several initiatives are already underway with support from technical and financial partners. The World Bank-backed “Smart Villages” project aims to connect over 2,000 rural communities, provide broadband internet to schools and health centers, and promote mobile payment adoption.
Additional measures include the construction of a national data center to host public data, expansion of the fiber-optic network, and improvement of mobile coverage to reach underserved areas. Authorities emphasized that the strategy seeks to create a supportive ecosystem for national digital startups while encouraging the production of local digital content.
The government also plans to introduce a robust coordination and monitoring framework to oversee the implementation of the strategy, track progress, and ensure that objectives—such as increased connectivity, improved digital services, and economic growth through technology—are met.
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Officials say that expanding the digital economy is critical for Niger’s broader development, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, commerce, and public administration. By investing in infrastructure, skills, and regulatory frameworks, the country aims to create a sustainable environment for private sector innovation while improving access to essential services for citizens.
The strategy aligns with regional ambitions to enhance West African digital interconnectivity, positioning Niger as a hub for cross-border data flow and technology services. By bridging the digital divide, authorities hope to unlock new opportunities for economic inclusion and social development in urban and rural areas alike.
The government has called on stakeholders—including private sector players, international partners, and civil society—to contribute to the validation process and subsequent implementation, ensuring that the strategic plan is comprehensive, feasible, and responsive to the country’s needs.
