Niger: Signature of an agreement with Starlink to extend internet access and support its digital transformation

On October 29, Niger entered into a strategic partnership with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet provider, to enhance digital connectivity across the nation. The agreement, signed by Niger’s Minister of Communication, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, and Starlink’s Director of Market Access, Ryan Goodnight, aims to bridge Niger’s internet access gap.

Despite a mobile penetration rate of 60.8% and internet access at 32% as of June 2024, according to ARCEP, vast areas of the country remain underserved.

Minister Raliou highlighted that Starlink’s network of 6,500 low-orbit satellites would provide near-total geographic coverage, addressing limitations in the current infrastructure that only reaches 30% of the country’s territory, though it serves 77% of the population.

Starlink’s satellite solution, which offers average speeds of around 200 Mbps, is expected to make high-speed internet accessible to even the most remote areas, supporting a national network where only 58% of coverage is in 4G.

This Starlink initiative coincides with the Nigerien government’s efforts to boost service quality among local operators.

In 2023, an ARCEP evaluation uncovered significant service gaps in voice, SMS, and internet performance, resulting in fines totaling 4.3 billion CFA francs for telecom operators.

Starlink’s entry is expected to enhance service quality while advancing Niger’s digital transformation goals, which include modernizing public administration, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the economy.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are pivotal to Niger’s socio-economic development aspirations.

The country is implementing a decade-long digital development strategy and updating its telecom infrastructure and legal frameworks.

However, challenges beyond network coverage persist, notably high costs for devices and subscriptions.

In neighboring Benin, for instance, Starlink services are priced at roughly 30,000 CFA francs monthly, with the required terminal costing 400,000 CFA francs—a potential barrier for widespread adoption in Niger.

Starlink is set to launch in Niger in 2025, marking a major step forward for the country’s digital inclusion and connectivity.

Titi KEITA