Internet Access in Niger: Broadband, Mobile, and Satellite Overview

Introduction

Internet access in Niger is increasingly recognized as vital for socio-economic development in one of the world’s poorest countries. Niger has a fast-growing population of over 26 million people, the majority of whom live in rural areas​ datareportal.com. However, internet usage remains very low by global standards – only around 17% of the population was online as of 2022​ pulse.internetsociety.org. This places Niger among the countries with the lowest internet penetration in Africa. The government has acknowledged the importance of digital connectivity for achieving development goals and is working on a long-term digital agenda to improve access for all citizens​ wearetech.africa​ wearetech.africa. In this context, it is crucial to examine Niger’s current internet landscape, the challenges it faces, and the initiatives underway to expand broadband, mobile, and satellite internet access.

Current State of Internet Access

Internet Penetration and Usage: Internet usage in Niger, while growing, remains limited. As of early 2025, about 6.37 million individuals were using the internet – roughly 23.2% of the population​ datareportal.com. This marks an increase from January 2024 when roughly 4.7 million users (16.9% penetration) were recorded​ connectingafrica.com, indicating gradual growth. For comparison, the average internet penetration across Africa is around 42%, underscoring Niger’s lag behind regional peers​ pulse.internetsociety.org​ pulse.internetsociety.org. Most internet use in Niger is via mobile devices, as fixed broadband connections are extremely scarce. In fact, fixed broadband penetration is negligible in Niger​ budde.com.au– high-speed internet service to homes or businesses via fiber or DSL is available only in the capital Niamey and a few major towns​ budde.com.au. The vast majority of Nigeriens who do access the internet do so through mobile networks or public access points.

Mobile Connectivity: Mobile telephony is the primary mode of connectivity for Niger’s population. There were about 16.5 million cellular mobile connections in Niger in early 2025, equivalent to 60.1% of the population​ datareportal.com. However, not all of these mobile subscriptions include data service – many are basic 2G voice/SMS plans. In terms of coverage, only about one-third of Niger’s land area has any mobile network coverage, reflecting the country’s large size and sparsely populated regions​ budde.com.au. Despite this, the population coverage is much higher: it’s estimated that up to 87% of the population can receive at least a basic mobile signal (typically 2G) in areas where people live​ budde.com.au. Mobile broadband (3G/4G) networks are still expanding; as of 2023, around 58% of the population had access to 4G coverage​ pulse.internetsociety.org, mainly in urban centers and along transport corridors. In rural areas, 3G or even 2G networks are more common, and many rural communities remain entirely unconnected. This urban-rural gap is illustrated by past data showing about 7% internet usage in urban areas versus essentially 0% in rural areas in Niger​ pulse.internetsociety.org. While those figures are a few years old, they highlight the severe disparity in connectivity between Niamey (and other cities) and the countryside.

Major Internet Service Providers: Niger’s telecom market is served by several operators, with mobile services dominating. The major providers and their roles are:

• Airtel Niger (Bharti Airtel) – the leading mobile operator, serving roughly two-thirds of the market. As of late 2010s it held about 68% market share with over 4 million subscribers​ frequencycheck.com. Airtel offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services and has the widest network coverage, making it the primary source of mobile internet for most Nigeriens.
• Zamani Telecom – formerly Orange Niger, this operator was sold to local investors and rebranded in 2020​ budde.com.au. It has a significant subscriber base (reported over 3 million mobile subscribers in recent years)​ frequencycheck.com. Zamani Telecom secured fresh capital after the Orange exit and has been upgrading its network. It is one of the main competitors in both voice and data services, particularly in urban markets.
• Moov Africa Niger – a mobile operator owned by Maroc Telecom (previously operating as Atlantique Telecom/Etisalat). Moov is the third-largest player, with about 11.5% market share (in 2018)​ frequencycheck.com. Its user base is smaller, but it provides GSM and some 3G/4G coverage in parts of the country. Moov’s presence contributes to market competition, though its network reach is less extensive than Airtel or Zamani’s.
• Niger Telecom – the state-owned telecom company, formed by the merger of the former state fixed-line operator (Sonitel) and its mobile arm (SahelCom)​ budde.com.au. Niger Telecom holds a “global” license to provide fixed, mobile, and internet services. In practice, its impact on internet access is limited; its fixed-line broadband service covers only Niamey and a handful of towns, and its mobile market share is very small. The company has struggled financially and operationally, which led the government to consider restructuring (including a possible merger with Zamani Telecom) to strengthen its position​ wearetech.africa.

These providers operate in a challenging environment but have been gradually extending services. Mobile data plans are available, though often expensive relative to incomes (as discussed later). There are also a few smaller ISPs and VSAT providers focusing on business and government clients for dedicated internet connections, but their footprint is minor compared to the mobile operators.

Satellite Internet Availability: Traditionally, satellite internet in Niger has been used on a limited scale by corporations, NGOs, and government agencies via VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) links. Until recently, satellite broadband was not widely used by the general public due to high costs and limited awareness. However, this is starting to change with new satellite services (see Satellite Internet in Niger section below). In the current landscape, satellite links often serve as backbones or last-resort connectivity in remote areas not reached by fiber or cellular networks. For example, satellite backhaul has been used to connect remote telecom towers or facilities – e.g., the national hospital for children in Niamey used an SES satellite link for telemedicine, demonstrating how satellites can overcome gaps where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking​ ses.com. Overall, while broadband and mobile networks cover Niger’s main needs, satellite services provide a complementary role for coverage in hard-to-reach locations and for improving network resilience.

Challenges in Internet Access

Despite gradual progress, Niger faces numerous challenges in expanding internet access:

• Infrastructure Limitations: The fundamental infrastructure for internet connectivity is underdeveloped. Niger’s vast territory (much of it desert) and low population density make network roll-out difficult and costly. Only about one-third of the country’s land area has mobile coverage​ budde.com.au, leaving many communities physically disconnected. The fixed-line telephone network is very limited, and there is a scarcity of national fiber-optic backbone links beyond a few key routes. Although recent projects have expanded fiber capacity (for instance, new fiber links to neighboring Chad and Burkina Faso were added to connect Niger to international submarine cables​ budde.com.au), internal distribution of high-speed connectivity remains thin. In rural areas, a lack of electricity and other supporting infrastructure further hinders the deployment of telecom equipment. This weak infrastructure base is a primary barrier to both broadband and mobile internet expansion.
• High Costs and Affordability: Internet services in Niger are expensive relative to the average income, which severely limits adoption. A recent analysis found that a basic mobile internet package (using at least 3G) costs over 12% of average monthly income in Niger​ pulse.internetsociety.org. This far exceeds the affordability targets (for example, the UN Broadband Commission’s benchmark of 2% of income for 1 GB of data). The high cost is due to several factors: the cost of building and operating networks in a landlocked and low-income country, heavy taxes and fees on telecom services, and limited competition in some segments. For many Nigeriens, especially in rural areas, even a low-cost smartphone and data plan are financially out of reach. The result is a significant usage gap – an estimated 40% of Niger’s population lives within mobile broadband coverage but does not use the internet, largely due to affordability and digital literacy issues​ datahub.itu.int. Reducing the cost barrier is essential to increase internet penetration.
• Rural vs. Urban Disparities: There is a pronounced digital divide between urban centers and rural communities. Most internet infrastructure investment has focused on Niamey (the capital) and a few other cities. Consequently, urban residents have far greater access to 3G/4G networks, Wi-Fi hotspots, and cyber cafés, while rural populations often have no access at all. As noted, urban internet usage was measured at around 7% of the population versus near 0% in rural areas (in a past survey)​ pulse.internetsociety.org. Although rural access may have inched up since then, the gap remains extremely wide. Over 80% of Niger’s people live in rural areas​ datareportal.com, making this disparity a critical challenge. Geography and poverty play a role – many villages are remote, sparsely populated, and have low literacy rates, making private telecom investment less attractive without subsidies. This urban-rural divide means that the benefits of the internet (information access, e-services, e-commerce, etc.) are unevenly distributed, potentially exacerbating socio-economic inequalities.
• Regulatory and Policy Barriers: The regulatory environment in Niger, while improving, has had issues that affect internet expansion. In the past, cumbersome regulations and disputes have discouraged investment – a notable example being the 2018–2020 regulatory spat with Orange Group, which led to authorities temporarily shutting down Orange Niger’s offices and ultimately prompted Orange to exit the country​ budde.com.au. Such incidents create uncertainty for operators. Additionally, sector taxes and fees are relatively high; for instance, the government recently imposed a CFA 10 levy on each phone call and internet package to fund a national security initiative​ budde.com.au. While the intent is to raise revenue for the public good, extra charges can make services less affordable and slow consumer uptake. There have also been past bans on certain technologies – for example, after the July 2023 coup, the regulator ARCEP initially outlawed the sale of Starlink satellite kits due to security concerns​ channelstv.com(though this stance was later reversed to allow Starlink’s entry). On the policy side, until recently Niger lacked a comprehensive strategy for universal internet access, and coordination among government agencies was limited. The good news is that the government is now developing a 2023–2032 digital agenda and strengthening the legal framework to better support ICT development​ wearetech.africa. Continued regulatory reforms – such as streamlining permits, encouraging infrastructure sharing, and using universal access funds to incentivize rural coverage – will be needed to overcome these barriers.

Satellite Internet in Niger

Satellite internet is poised to play a larger role in Niger’s connectivity, especially for reaching remote areas that terrestrial networks struggle to cover. Historically, satellite connectivity in Niger was mainly via geostationary satellites (e.g. SES, Intelsat, Eutelsat) providing VSAT links for NGOs, banks, or government offices. These legacy satellite services are reliable for basic broadband but often offer limited bandwidth and high latency, and they come at a high price point. As a result, they have not been widely adopted by the general population. However, new satellite technologies are changing the outlook:

• Starlink (SpaceX): In 2024, Niger became one of the latest African countries to approve Starlink, Elon Musk’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet service. The country’s military government granted Starlink a five-year license to operate and provide high-speed connectivity​ africa.businessinsider.com​ africa.businessinsider.com. By late 2024, an agreement was struck to officially launch Starlink in Niger, with service availability projected in 2025​ connectingafrica.com. Starlink’s constellation of low-orbit satellites can deliver broadband speeds around 150–200 Mbps, far superior to traditional VSAT, with much lower latency. Niger’s Minister of Communication and Digital Economy highlighted that this “cutting-edge, high-speed technology” could deliver around 200 Mb/s at very low cost to users​ connectingafrica.com. The plan is for Starlink to dramatically expand coverage – officials stated that Starlink could bring broadband internet coverage to 80–100% of Niger’s territory​ channelstv.com. This would be a game-changer for rural and nomadic communities, as currently large swathes of the country have no connectivity. Early reports indicate Starlink is now operational in Niger and being used by businesses and individuals who can afford the equipment (a Starlink kit and monthly subscription). The government sees it as a way to leapfrog the limitations of ground infrastructure, though adoption will depend on costs coming down over time.
• SES / O3b and Other Satellite Providers: Even before Starlink, Niger has benefitted from satellite services through providers like SES. SES’s O3b (Other 3 Billion) medium-Earth orbit satellites were designed to provide fiber-like backhaul connectivity in developing regions. Orange Niger, for example, had utilized O3b satellites to boost its network capacity in the past​ worldteleport.org(Orange partnered with SES in multiple African countries for satellite backhaul). Additionally, SES, with support from the Luxembourg government, deployed a satellite-enabled e-health platform (SATMED) in Niger, connecting remote healthcare facilities to the internet​ ses.com. This allowed doctors in isolated areas to access online resources and consult specialists remotely, demonstrating the impact of satellites in bridging infrastructure gaps. Geostationary broadband satellites operated by companies like Eutelsat (Konnect Africa) and Yahsat (YahClick) also cover Niger. These services can deliver speeds of 10–50 Mbps and have been available via local distributors, mainly targeting enterprise and government clients. For instance, Eutelsat’s Konnect satellite beams internet over West Africa, and capacity deals have been signed to extend such broadband to rural users in the region​ satellitetoday.com. However, the uptake of these traditional satellite broadband services in Niger has been modest due to high costs of equipment and bandwidth.
• Adoption and Challenges of Satellite Internet: The introduction of LEO satellite internet (Starlink and potential upcoming constellations like OneWeb) is likely to increase adoption in Niger for those unreached by other means. Starlink’s entry at a “low cost” was touted by officials​ connectingafrica.com, but in context, the cost is low relative to legacy satellite ($110/month in some African markets for Starlink vs. far higher for older VSAT) – it may still be expensive for the average Nigerien household. Initial adopters are expected to be companies, development organizations, and wealthier individuals or tech hubs. Challenges include not just cost, but also regulatory and practical issues: satellite user terminals need a clear sky view and power source, which can be an issue in villages lacking electricity (though solar setups are possible). There’s also a need for awareness and technical capacity to install and maintain the equipment. The government’s stance has turned favorable, as evidenced by the Starlink deal; ensuring that satellite services are integrated into broader connectivity plans (for schools, health centers, and community Wi-Fi points) will be key to maximizing their impact. In summary, satellite internet in Niger is transitioning from a niche back-end solution to a frontline option for expanding access, with Starlink leading the charge and other satellite providers complementing conventional networks where they cannot reach.

Government Policies and Initiatives

The Nigerien government, along with partners, has launched several policies and initiatives to improve internet access across the country:

• Digital Strategy – Niger 2.0: The government’s overarching plan is captured in the “Niger 2.0” digital strategy spearheaded by the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI). This comprehensive initiative aims to leverage digital technologies for sustainable development​ dig.watch​ dig.watch. Key components of Niger 2.0 include expanding e-government services (digitizing government processes for easier citizen access), connecting Smart Villages, building a “technopole” innovation hub, and promoting digital literacy and inclusion especially among youth and women​ dig.watch​ dig.watch. A flagship goal under this strategy is the Smart Villages project, which seeks to connect about 15,000 villages with broadband internet and e-services in sectors like health, education, and agriculture​ dig.watch. This entails rolling out connectivity (via a mix of fiber, wireless, and satellite) and digital solutions to rural communities. The Smart Villages initiative is being implemented with support from international organizations (including multiple UN agencies)​ amplio.org, reflecting a collaborative approach to closing the rural connectivity gap.
• ICT Infrastructure Investments: Recognizing the need for backbone infrastructure, Niger has invested in several major projects. With financing from international partners (World Bank, African Development Bank, etc.), the country completed the Trans-Saharan Dorsal (SDR) fiber optic network crossing Niger​ budde.com.au. This project extends fiber links across the country and connects Niger to submarine cable landing points via Algeria and Nigeria, increasing international bandwidth. Additional fiber spur connections to neighbors (Chad, Burkina Faso, Nigeria) have also been built​ budde.com.au. These efforts enhance the network’s resilience and capacity. Domestically, the government has been deploying fiber in urban areas and plans to extend fiber backbones into more regions as part of Niger 2.0’s Infrastructure Development pillar​ dig.watch. In the mobile sector, the regulator has started assigning new spectrum (e.g., recently allocating frequencies in the 2600 MHz band to operators) to improve mobile broadband quality and prepare for future technologies​ budde.com.au. There is also a Universal Access Fund mechanism intended to subsidize telecom expansion in underserved areas, which the government is trying to activate more effectively. In July 2023, under the Smart Villages program, the government issued an ambitious Request for Proposals to connect 1,000 schools and 300 health centers to high-speed internet within 12 months​ giga.global​ giga.global. This project, supported by the UNICEF/ITU “Giga” initiative, bundles solar power, wireless connectivity, and content platforms to bring broadband and Wi-Fi to schools and clinics nationwide. Such investments in ICT infrastructure – both hard infrastructure and last-mile connectivity for community institutions – are critical stepping stones toward universal internet access.
• Regulatory and Institutional Reforms: Alongside physical infrastructure, Niger is updating its policy frameworks to support digital growth. The government is formulating a Digital Agenda 2023–2032 that will set targets and guidelines for ICT development over the next decade​ wearetech.africa. This includes reviewing laws and regulations to accommodate new developments (such as digital financial services, data protection, and online content). The leadership has expressed a commitment to “ensure access to services for all” and promote universal access to ICTs​ wearetech.africa. To improve governance of the sector, authorities are looking to strengthen the capacity of the telecom regulator (ARCEP) and foster public-private partnerships. One notable move was the announcement in August 2023 of plans to merge Niger Telecom (state operator) with Zamani Telecom​ wearetech.africa. This would create a larger state-backed telecom company, potentially giving the government more direct influence in expanding infrastructure and competing with private operators. The rationale is to have a national operator that can drive network extension to underserved areas and offer more affordable services, although some observers note it could also impact market competition. Additionally, the government is partnering with international organizations such as the World Bank (which supports the Smart Villages and regional connectivity projects) and the Internet Society (which has an active Niger chapter involved in capacity building and events like Global Encryption Day)​ wearetech.africa. All these policy and institutional initiatives are geared toward making the digital ecosystem more robust, inclusive, and well-governed, which in turn should facilitate greater internet access.
• Digital Inclusion and Literacy Programs: Knowing that infrastructure alone is not enough, Niger has launched programs to boost digital inclusion and skills. Under Niger 2.0, there are campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of the internet and to train citizens in basic digital skills​ dig.watch​ dig.watch. The government and NGOs have organized ICT training workshops, set up community centers with internet access, and run initiatives focusing on women and youth (who often have lower access rates). For example, the “Women and Internet” initiative encourages women entrepreneurs to use digital tools, and coding workshops for youth aim to spark innovation. These efforts, coupled with plans to introduce ICT in school curricula, seek to build a user base that can effectively take advantage of expanded internet infrastructure. Over time, improved literacy and local content in French and Hausa (local language) should help drive higher internet adoption in communities that are coming online for the first time.

Future Prospects

The future of internet connectivity in Niger is cautiously optimistic. While challenges remain steep, several developments promise to improve the situation in the coming years:

• Improved Connectivity and Capacity: The cumulative impact of recent and ongoing projects will likely raise both the coverage and quality of internet access. The new fiber-optic links (Trans-Saharan network and regional interconnects)​ budde.com.aumean that Niger can access international bandwidth at lower cost and with greater reliability, reducing the country’s historical dependence on expensive satellite backbones. This enhanced backbone, paired with the Smart Villages program extending local access networks, could substantially increase broadband availability in provinces beyond Niamey. As these backbone and backhaul infrastructures mature, mobile operators will be able to roll out more 3G and 4G base stations to currently uncovered rural districts (possibly supported by universal service subsidies or public-private investment models). The goal of connecting thousands of villages and key facilities (schools, health centers) in the next few years, if achieved, will bring millions of new users within reach of the internet. We can expect Niger’s internet penetration to continue its upward trend – from the current ~20-30% range toward a much higher fraction of the population. An official from ARCEP cited a 32% internet penetration rate in late 2024​ channelstv.com, and with the influx of new connectivity solutions, this figure could grow substantially by the end of the decade.
• Mobile Broadband Expansion and 5G Potential: Mobile internet will remain the cornerstone of access in Niger. In the near term, the focus is on expanding 4G LTE coverage nationwide. Operators like Airtel and Zamani are investing in network upgrades (Zamani Telecom began a large-scale upgrade after 2020​ budde.com.au, and Airtel Africa continues to pour capital into its networks). With additional spectrum allocations (e.g., 2600 MHz band)​ budde.com.auand improved fiber backhaul, users should see better mobile broadband speeds and more consistent service, even outside the main cities. Looking further ahead, 5G technology is on the horizon, though its deployment in Niger may be several years away. Given the low current levels of 4G usage, operators are likely to fully exploit 4G and possibly introduce intermediate technologies (like 4G+ or fixed LTE for home broadband) before leaping to 5G. However, Niger will benefit indirectly from the global 5G momentum – as neighboring countries like Nigeria roll out 5G, affordable 5G-capable devices will eventually proliferate regionally. When conditions are right (sufficient fiber backbone, higher data demand, and lower equipment costs), Niger could begin limited 5G trials or deployments in urban hotspots. 5G’s high capacity and low latency could then support advanced services (IoT in agriculture, remote clinics, etc.), but realistically this is a longer-term prospect. In the meantime, emerging technologies such as TV White Space and low-cost community networks could also be harnessed to extend rural connectivity as stopgaps until mainstream mobile coverage arrives.
• Role of Satellite and Emerging Technologies: Satellite internet is expected to significantly boost Niger’s connectivity in the immediate future. With Starlink operational, even the most remote villages or desert communities can theoretically get a broadband link. The government’s deal with Starlink aims for near-total territorial coverage​ channelstv.com, which if realized, means no part of Niger needs to be completely offline. The practical outcome might be the establishment of shared access points – for example, community Wi-Fi hotspots fed by a Starlink terminal in villages, or schools using Starlink to provide internet to students and surrounding residents. Furthermore, other LEO constellations (such as OneWeb, which is focusing on connecting Africa’s remote areas through partnerships, or Amazon’s Kuiper in the future) may offer alternative or complementary satellite options, potentially driving competition and lowering prices for satellite broadband. Another emerging tech is the use of High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) like balloons or drones to provide internet (e.g., Google’s Loon had trials in East Africa); while no specific plans for Niger are known, such technologies could be deployed in conflict or remote zones if needed. Overall, the convergence of improved terrestrial networks and cutting-edge connectivity (LEO satellites, etc.) gives hope that Niger can drastically reduce its coverage gap in the coming years.
• Strategies for Affordability and Inclusion: A critical factor for the future is ensuring that connectivity becomes affordable and accessible to the average citizen. On this front, a combination of market dynamics and policy interventions will be important. Greater competition – via new services like Starlink or potential new mobile entrants – can put downward pressure on prices. The government’s push to merge and strengthen a public operator could, if managed well, lead to affordable service offerings in rural or low-income segments (for instance, a state operator might implement social tariffs or free access to certain government websites). International donors and development banks are also likely to continue supporting digital inclusion in Niger, possibly through subsidies for device purchases, digital literacy programs, and community network pilots. As infrastructure rolls out, maintaining a focus on “last-mile” affordability is key: this could involve things like reducing telecom taxes that inflate data prices, promoting local internet exchange points and caching to cut bandwidth costs, and encouraging the use of open-source and low-cost technologies. The Niger 2.0 strategy’s emphasis on capacity building and local innovation​ dig.watch​ dig.watchsuggests that the country is also investing in human capital so that once access is available, people can make meaningful use of it. If Niger can successfully combine expanded infrastructure, progressive policies, and support for users, the digital divide may gradually narrow. In a few years, we might see Niger’s internet penetration climb closer to the African average, with far more of its rural citizens online than today.

In summary, the prospects for internet access in Niger are improving. The coming together of infrastructure projects, satellite coverage, and government reforms provides a roadmap to significantly better connectivity. While Niger started from a very low base, it has the opportunity to leapfrog in certain areas (like using satellites instead of waiting for fiber in remote regions). The challenges of poverty, geography, and instability are real, but the momentum in the telecom sector is trending positive. Stakeholders will need to ensure this translates into tangible, affordable access for the population at large.

Conclusion

Internet access in Niger is at a pivotal point. This report has highlighted that Niger currently has very low internet penetration (around 20-23% of the population), limited primarily by poor infrastructure, high costs, and vast rural coverage gaps​ pulse.internetsociety.org​ datareportal.com. Broadband connectivity via fixed lines is virtually non-existent outside Niamey, making mobile networks the linchpinof internet service in the country​ budde.com.au. Yet mobile coverage, while improving, still leaves many communities offline, and data plans remain expensive for most people​ pulse.internetsociety.org. On the positive side, new developments are rapidly changing the landscape. The arrival of satellite broadband (Starlink) with government support promises to extend internet coverage to even the most remote corners of Niger​ channelstv.com. At the same time, ongoing investments in fiber optics and mobile infrastructure are incrementally expanding and upgrading traditional networks​ budde.com.au. The Nigerien government, through its Niger 2.0 strategy and partnerships, is actively pursuing policies for digital inclusion, aiming to connect villages, schools, and health centers, and to foster an environment where internet services are accessible to all​ amplio.org​ giga.global.

Going forward, a multi-pronged effort is needed to ensure these initiatives translate into real progress. Key recommendations include: continuing to build out infrastructure (especially last-mile connectivity in rural areas), maintaining a supportive regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation (while avoiding heavy-handed taxes or restrictions that could stifle growth), and implementing affordability measures (such as reducing consumer taxes on devices and data, and leveraging universal service funds to subsidize connectivity for low-income communities). Public-private partnerships will be crucial, as no single entity can bridge Niger’s digital divide alone – the government, telecom operators, international donors, and local communities must collaborate on solutions like community Wi-Fi hubs, digital literacy training, and locally relevant content to drive usage.

In conclusion, Niger’s internet access challenge is significant, but not insurmountable. The current trajectory shows a country eager to embrace digital transformation despite its constraints. Improvements in broadband, mobile, and satellite internet are slowly but surely bringing Niger’s population online. By addressing the remaining challenges with targeted strategies, Niger can accelerate its connectivity and ensure that the benefits of the internet – economic opportunities, education, healthcare information, and civic participation – reach all corners of the country. The coming years will be critical in determining how quickly Niger can catch up with the rest of the digitally connected world, but the foundation being laid today provides reason for optimism that Niger’s digital future will be brighter and more inclusive than its past.

Sources: budde.com.au​ pulse.internetsociety.org​ datareportal.com​ connectingafrica.com​ amplio.org​ giga.global​ frequencycheck.com​