Niger launches new Internet exchange point to boost connectivity 🇳🇪 🌐

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Niger is stepping up efforts to modernize its digital infrastructure with the launch of a new Internet Exchange Point (IXP) in Niamey. The facility is expected to lower connectivity costs, improve network quality, and drive the adoption of online services in a country where less than a quarter of the population is connected.

Building digital sovereignty 🏗️

The new exchange point was officially inaugurated on August 19 in Niamey by the Minister of Communication and Information Technology. According to officials, the IXP will allow Internet service providers (ISPs) to connect directly with one another, enabling local traffic to stay within the country rather than being routed through expensive international channels.

In practice, it’s a physical hub where ISPs set up agreements to exchange traffic. By keeping data local, the IXP reduces international transit fees while boosting speed and reliability for end users.

Meeting the surge in digital demand 📈

The IXP is part of Niger’s push to catch up on lagging digital infrastructure. With demand for connectivity rising fast, the country’s existing facilities are no longer sufficient.

The government has also launched complementary projects, including the construction of a data center, the rollout of a virtual landing point (VLP), and a broader initiative to modernize telecom infrastructure and extend fiber links with neighboring countries. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen the resilience of Niger’s national network and support the growth of digital services.

What this means for users 💡

Experience from other countries shows that IXPs can lower the cost of Internet access while making services more stable. In Niger, Internet penetration stood at just 23.2% of the population in 2024, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The new facility is therefore seen as a key lever to democratize access to the Internet.

By reducing costs and improving service quality, the government hopes to encourage mass adoption of online services, spur innovation, and attract more investment into the digital economy.

👉🏾 Selon vous, cette nouvelle infrastructure va-t-elle réellement améliorer l’accès à Internet pour tous les Nigériens ? Dites en commentaires☺️