Niger is taking significant steps to bolster its digital landscape with the official formation of the National Committee responsible for implementing and managing the country’s critical digital infrastructure.
Announced on 23 July, the committee aims to coordinate efforts, ensure system interoperability, oversee deployment phases, and promote transparency among stakeholders.
According to the Ministry of Communication and New Information Technologies, the committee’s responsibilities include establishing governance frameworks, developing performance dashboards, and producing quarterly progress reports. The ministry emphasised the importance of safeguarding infrastructure against cyber risks, noting that protecting digital components is essential for maintaining the resilience, security, and integrity of Niger’s critical information systems.
This initiative aligns with Niger’s broader strategy to develop its ICT sector as a driver of socioeconomic growth. Currently, the country is constructing a national data centre, scheduled for completion by September 2025, and deploying 1,031km of fibre optic cables as part of the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone (DTS), which was 97% complete as of January. Other key projects include modernising infrastructure, expanding internet access, establishing an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) and Virtual Landing Point (VLP), creating a National Cybersecurity Centre, and setting up a Technology Monitoring Centre and an international communications gateway.
The success of the new committee will depend on its ability to effectively coordinate stakeholders, mobilise resources, and ensure the practical implementation of these strategic projects. Strengthening digital infrastructure is vital for Niger’s socioeconomic progress, and the committee’s leadership will be crucial in transforming digital ambitions into tangible results.
