Algeria and Niger launch trans-Saharan fibre-optic backbone linking In Guezzam to Agadez

Algeria and Niger have officially launched a trans-Saharan fibre-optic backbone linking the two countries, marking a further step towards digital integration across the Sahel.

Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, and his Nigerien counterpart, Hamani Kargné, presided over the launch ceremony on Tuesday (6 October) in Assamaka, a Nigerien border locality. Senior officials and telecommunications-sector representatives from both countries attended.

The new link connects In Guezzam in southern Algeria with the Arlit-Agadez region of Niger. Developed jointly by Algérie Télécom and Niger Télécom, it enters service with an initial transmission capacity of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), with modular expansion allowing capacity to rise as regional demand grows.

Zerrouki described the backbone as “an important step in strengthening connectivity and supporting the digital economy in the Sahel”, saying it should expand high-speed internet access, accelerate digital transformation and reinforce African digital sovereignty.

The link forms part of the Trans-Saharan Fibre-Optic Backbone Liaison Committee, bringing together Algeria, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Nigeria and Chad. It follows agreements signed between the two operators in Niamey in September, under which Algérie Télécom donated transmission equipment for the In Guezzam–Agadez connection.

Sources: Dzair Tube — https://www.dzair-tube.dz/en/algeria-niger-launch-trans-saharan-fibre-optic-backbone/ ; Telecompaper — https://www.telecompaper.com/news/niger-secures-100-gbps-international-fibre-link-with-algeria—1582407 ; Ecofin Agency — https://www.ecofinagency.com/news-digital/1009-58774-niger-secures-additional-international-bandwidth-with-100-gb-algeria-fiber-route