Chad and Niger have convened to advance their collaboration on the Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone (TSR) project, a key initiative aimed at strengthening intra-regional digital infrastructure. The meeting focused on the technical arrangements required to move the project toward realization, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve connectivity across the Sahara.
The TSR aims to link the fibre networks of Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania, creating a strategic corridor that enhances regional integration. For landlocked nations like Niger and Chad, this infrastructure offers vital access to international connectivity via coastal states — Algeria and Nigeria — both of which are connected to multiple submarine cables. Algeria, for example, has six submarine cables, with two additional cables expected by 2026; Nigeria boasts eight. Diversifying entry points through the fibre backbone increases network redundancy and resilience, reducing dependence on single international links.
Currently, Chad relies heavily on its connection to Cameroon for internet access, which exposes it to outages and service disruptions. Last October, a major outage lasted nearly 24 hours, with recurring shorter outages since then, highlighting the urgent need for diversified connectivity pathways. The TSR project is designed to mitigate such vulnerabilities by providing alternative routes.
However, the timeline remains uncertain, as discussions are still at a technical stage. The successful interconnection depends on the completion of national fibre segments in both countries. Niger has reported that approximately 97% of its 1,031 km planned fibre deployment was finished as of early 2025, with full delivery expected by September. Chad, meanwhile, has about 100 km remaining out of the 609 km planned, with completion initially targeted for late 2024 or early 2025, though no recent updates have been provided.
While still in progress, the TSR project promises to significantly bolster regional digital resilience, reduce connectivity disruptions, and facilitate economic growth through improved access to international internet infrastructure.
