Overview of Niger’s Geography and General Economic Structure

Geographic Profile: Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north, and Chad to the east. With a vast area mostly covered by the Sahara Desert, about 80% of Niger’s land is arid. The population of Niger was estimated at 27.7 million in early 2024, making it one of the most populous countries in the Sahel despite its desert terrain. Population density is very low overall (around 20 people per sq km) but most people live in the more fertile southern belt along the Niger-Nigeria border and near the Niger River. Niger’s populace is overwhelmingly rural – roughly 82% of people live in rural areas, with only ~18% in urban centers like the capital Niamey (located in the southwest) and other towns such as Maradi and Zinder. The country has one of the world’s youngest populations (a median age of ~15 years) and a very high fertility rate, leading to a rapid annual population growth of around 3.8%. This youthful, fast-growing population presents both challenges and opportunities for economic development and the adoption of digital services.

Economic Size and Structure: Niger’s economy is extremely low-income and underdeveloped, ranking at or near the bottom of global indices in per capita GDP and human development. As of 2023, the country’s GDP was approximately $16.8 billion (nominal USD) and GDP per capita around $640 (World Bank data), reflecting the widespread poverty. In terms of structure, Niger’s economy is not well diversified and remains heavily dependent on agriculture and extractive industries. Agriculture is the backbone of economic activity – it typically accounts for about 35–40% of GDP and provides a livelihood for the vast majority of the population. The agricultural sector is mostly subsistence-based, dominated by crops like millet, sorghum, and cowpeas, along with livestock rearing (cattle, goats, camels) which is a critical activity especially for pastoral communities. Rain-fed farming and pastoralism make the economy highly vulnerable to climate variability (droughts, desertification) and explain large swings in output in bad harvest years.

Services make up the largest share of output by value, contributing roughly 40% of GDP as of 2023. However, much of the services sector consists of low-value or informal activities (trade, transport, government services, etc.) rather than high-tech or high-productivity services. The industry segment (including mining, oil, manufacturing, construction, utilities) is relatively small – around 20–25% of GDP – and is dominated by natural resource extraction. Manufacturing in Niger is minimal (only a few percent of GDP) and mainly consists of basic agro-processing, textiles, and simple consumer goods; there is no significant industrial base or heavy manufacturing. The mining and oil subsector, though a small portion of GDP (roughly 8–10% in recent years), is vital for export earnings. Niger is well known as a source of uranium, possessing some of the world’s largest uranium deposits. Uranium mining was historically a cornerstone of the economy – Niger has been one of the top global producers of uranium ore. However, due to long-standing contracts and fixed pricing with foreign partners (notably France’s nuclear industry), the contribution of uranium to government revenue has been less than its volume would suggest. In addition to uranium, gold production has grown in importance over the past decade, with several gold mines in operation. An oil sector has also emerged: Niger started pumping crude oil in the early 2010s (the Agadem oil field in the east, developed by CNPC of China) and built a small refinery to supply domestic fuel. In 2023, a major development was the completion of the Niger–Benin oil pipeline – a nearly 2,000 km pipeline to transport crude oil from Niger’s oil fields to the port of Cotonou in Benin. This China-backed pipeline, operational in early 2024, is expected to enable Niger to export up to 90,000 barrels of oil per day once fully ramped up, significantly boosting export revenues. The expansion of oil exports and new gold projects are anticipated to drive higher GDP growth in the mid-2020s, though the benefits depend on political stability and good resource governance.

Key Exports and Trade Dynamics: Niger’s export base is narrow and concentrated in a few commodities. In value terms, the top exports are typically minerals and oil. As of the early 2020s, the leading export products included:

• Uranium ore: Niger remains one of the world’s important uranium exporters. Uranium accounted for roughly 30–40% of official export earnings in 2022 (about $135 million out of total exports), mostly destined for France and other countries for nuclear fuel.

• Petroleum products: Prior to 2024, Niger exported some refined petroleum products (gasoline, etc.) from its domestic refinery, and now with the Niger-Benin pipeline, crude oil exports are ramping up. In 2022, petroleum product exports were about $120 million. Going forward, crude oil is set to become a dominant export (potentially adding several hundred million to over a billion USD annually if the pipeline operates at capacity).

• Gold: Both in semi-processed and raw form, gold has grown as an export. It contributed on the order of $50–70 million in 2022, with the UAE and other markets buying Nigerien gold.

• Agricultural goods: Agricultural exports are limited; one notable export crop is onions (particularly the Galmi purple onion), which Niger exports regionally (valued around $10–15 million). Livestock (cattle, camels, goats on the hoof) are also traditionally exported informally to neighboring countries (Nigeria, etc.), though these don’t always show up fully in official trade data.

• Other commodities: A category of “other oily seeds” (which includes commodities like sesame or groundnuts) has appeared as a significant export in some years (one report noted several hundred million USD of such exports, possibly re-exports or data quirks). However, overall non-mineral exports remain very small.

On the import side, Niger is heavily reliant on foreign supplies for most manufactured goods, capital equipment, fuel, and even some staple foods. Total imports were about $3.8 billion in 2022, vastly exceeding export earnings – indicative of a persistent trade deficit. Key import categories include: foodstuffs (Niger imports large quantities of rice, wheat, and sugar to supplement domestic food production; e.g. rice imports alone were around $450 million in 2022), machinery and vehicles (for construction, mining, transport), petroleum fuels (Niger imports refined fuel as well, though the Soraz refinery covers part of domestic needs), and various consumer goods and manufactured items. Major trading partners for imports are China (the largest single supplier, providing everything from machinery to cheap consumer products, about 24% of imports), France (around 21%, reflecting historical ties and imports of refined goods and machinery), India, Nigeria, and other countries. Nigeria is a crucial neighbor for commerce – Niger imports a variety of goods (such as electronics, textiles, and food products) from Nigeria and also exports livestock and agricultural produce to Nigeria, often through informal cross-border trade.

Because Niger is landlocked, it depends on transit routes through neighboring countries to access international markets. Key corridors include the route via Benin to the port of Cotonou (for overseas imports/exports) and routes through Togo (port of Lomé) and Nigeria (Lagos). Until mid-2023, the Niamey–Cotonou corridor was a lifeline for freight; however, following political events (a military coup in Niger in 2023) and ensuing regional sanctions, borders with some neighbors were temporarily closed, disrupting trade flows. The closure of the Benin route and ECOWAS sanctions caused short-term difficulties in obtaining imports in late 2023. Nevertheless, informal trade and alternative routes via Algeria or Nigeria mitigated some impacts.

Macroeconomic Context: Niger’s economy typically grows in the range of 4–6% per year in good times, driven by agriculture rebounds and mining investments, but growth is very volatile. In 2020, COVID-19 and climate shocks slowed growth, while 2021–2022 saw a rebound. Preliminary data indicate GDP growth of about 3% in 2023, constrained by security issues and a poor agricultural season. Despite the political turmoil in 2023, the commencement of oil exports and a recovery in services were expected to raise growth to around 4% in 2024 (IMF/World Bank projections), assuming some stability. However, Niger faces chronic challenges: it is classified as an extremely low-income and heavily indebted poor country, with a large portion of the budget funded by foreign aid (which was partly suspended after 2023’s coup). Inflation has been moderate by regional standards (the country uses the West African CFA franc, a currency pegged to the Euro, which has helped keep inflation relatively contained), but prices spiked in 2022–2023 due to global commodity shocks and import disruptions. With an undiversified productive base and rapid population increase diluting GDP gains, GDP per capita has barely improved over the last decade. The high poverty rate (over 40% of the population in extreme poverty) underscores the limited local purchasing power, which also affects nascent markets like the digital economy.

In summary, Niger’s general economic structure is one of a small, agriculture-dependent economy with nascent mining and oil sectors and a very large informal sector. Key economic drivers are subsistence agriculture and extraction of uranium, gold, and oil, while the formal services sector is modest. Trade is characterized by a large deficit financed by aid, remittances, and foreign investment in mining. These structural factors set the stage for Niger’s digital economy: low incomes and infrastructure gaps have so far constrained the growth of internet access and online services, but a youthful population and incoming investments (e.g. oil revenues, donor-funded projects) could create opportunities for digital development if harnessed effectively.

Internet Access and Digital Infrastructure

Internet Penetration: Niger has one of the lowest levels of internet usage in the world, reflecting its developmental challenges. As of January 2024, there were an estimated 4.69 million internet users in Niger, which is only about 16.9% of the population having access to the internet. In other words, more than 83% of Nigeriens remain offline at the start of 2024. This internet penetration rate (~17%) is significantly below the average for sub-Saharan Africa (around 33% in 2024) and the global average (~66%). The majority of Niger’s internet users are concentrated in urban areas (especially Niamey and a few regional capitals) and skew toward younger, educated demographics. The rural-urban digital divide is stark: while a minority of urban residents enjoy mobile internet connectivity, most rural villagers have little to no internet access. In early 2024, only about 5% of adults over 18 in Niger were active on any social media platform, highlighting that internet use is not yet mainstream. However, internet adoption has been growing gradually – the user base in 2023–2024 grew roughly 4% year-over-year. Given the very low baseline, even modest improvements in coverage and affordability can translate into large percentage increases in user numbers. There is considerable latent demand among the large youth population, but issues of cost, literacy, and infrastructure limit actual usage.

Telecommunications Network Coverage: Niger’s connectivity relies almost entirely on mobile networks, as fixed-line infrastructure is sparse. In terms of mobile coverage, about 87% of the population lives within range of at least a basic cell signal (2G voice/SMS service), even though only roughly one-third of the country’s vast territory is covered by any mobile network. The populated southern zones have decent coverage along major roads and towns, whereas the sparsely inhabited desert north has very limited signal outside a few oasis towns. Coverage for mobile broadband (3G/4G data services) is more limited than 2G: it is largely available in urban and peri-urban areas and along some highways, but many rural communities only have 2G or no coverage at all. The government and operators have slowly expanded coverage, but reaching remote settlements remains challenging both economically and geographically.

Mobile Phone Usage: Mobile telephony is the primary mode of communication. There were about 16.46 million active cellular mobile connections in Niger in early 2024, equivalent to roughly 59.4% of the population. This figure counts SIM cards, so it includes people with multiple SIMs and does not mean 59% of individuals have a phone – the actual unique mobile subscriber penetration is lower. Many Nigeriens, especially in cities, use two SIM cards (for example, to take advantage of different coverage or promotions from two carriers), while many rural residents and poorer citizens still lack any mobile phone. It’s estimated that perhaps around 30–40% of the population are unique mobile phone owners. Still, mobile adoption has grown substantially from virtually zero two decades ago to tens of millions of SIMs today, indicating that basic telephony is reaching a majority of households. Mobile connectivity is the lifeline for internet access: over 99% of internet users in Niger access it via mobile networks (smartphones or basic phones with internet capability), as opposed to fixed broadband.

Fixed Broadband and ICT Infrastructure: Fixed-line internet and broadband services are negligible in Niger. The number of fixed broadband subscriptions in the country is extremely low – World Bank data reported only about 13,700 fixed broadband subscriptions in 2022, which is effectively 0% of the population. These few subscriptions belong mostly to government offices, large companies, and perhaps a small number of wealthy individuals or expat residences, mainly in Niamey. The fixed telephone network (copper lines) barely exists outside Niamey and a handful of towns, and even there it is aging and unreliable. As a result, the country has essentially leapfrogged to mobile wireless connectivity. There is some deployment of fiber-optic cables in the capital and for backhaul between cities, but last-mile fixed internet to homes is rare. Instead, institutions or cybercafés use VSAT (satellite links) or microwave links where fiber is not present. The extremely low fixed internet penetration underscores the reliance on mobile broadband as the only practical way to get populations online.

Mobile Broadband (3G/4G) and Emerging 5G: Niger has steadily upgraded its mobile networks over the past decade. 3G mobile data services have been available since the early 2010s in major cities, allowing moderate-speed internet on mobile phones. 4G LTE was introduced more recently – in fact, Niger was a bit late to 4G compared to some neighbors. The first 4G LTE network launched in Niger was by Airtel Niger in mid-2019 after the company obtained a 4G license. Since then, 4G has been rolled out primarily in Niamey and a few large cities (such as Maradi, Zinder, and Tahoua). By 2024, all three major mobile operators had begun offering 4G services in the capital and other key urban markets, though coverage is still patchy outside city centers. The average mobile data speeds in Niger are relatively low, often constrained by limited bandwidth and high user loads on 3G networks. Users in Niamey with 4G might get several Mbps of speed, but in rural areas 3G or EDGE (2.5G) speeds can be very slow, making rich content usage difficult.

As for 5G, it is not yet a reality in Niger. Given the country’s stage of development, 5G deployment is not expected in the immediate term. The telecom regulator has begun taking steps like allocating spectrum (e.g. in the 2600 MHz band) that could be used for advanced services, and there are long-term plans to eventually adopt 5G in the future. However, for now the priority is to expand 4G coverage and capacity, and to convert more 2G-only areas to at least 3G. In short, Niger is still working on widespread 3G/4G access and has not launched 5G; any 5G adoption is likely years away and will depend on significant infrastructure investment.

Major Telecom Operators: The mobile telecom market in Niger is served by a handful of operators:

1. Airtel Niger – a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel (India), this is the market leader by subscribers. Airtel has nationwide coverage, was first to launch 4G, and also offers mobile money services.

2. Zamani Telecom – formerly Orange Niger, this was part of Orange (France) until 2019. After financial difficulties, Orange sold the Niger operation to local investors who rebranded it as Zamani in 2020. Zamani continues to be a significant operator, leveraging the infrastructure and customer base originally built by Orange.

3. Moov Africa Niger – part of Maroc Telecom’s Moov Africa group, which operates in several West African countries. Moov (previously Atlantique Telecom) has a presence in Niger and competes for market share, offering mobile voice, data, and mobile money.

4. Niger Telecom – the state-owned telecom company, formed from the merger of the former state fixed-line operator (Sonitel) and its mobile arm (SahelCom). Niger Telecom has a much smaller share of the mobile market compared to the private operators, but it retains some importance in fixed-line service (for government, etc.) and is the manager of the national telecom infrastructure like the fiber backbone. Its mobile network is limited, and it has struggled commercially.

Despite four licensed operators, the mobile sector is effectively led by Airtel and Zamani (which together account for the bulk of subscribers), with Moov as a third player. Competition has driven incremental improvements but also price wars; the ARPU (average revenue per user) is very low, so operators have constrained budgets for expanding coverage into sparsely populated areas without subsidies.

International Connectivity: Being landlocked, Niger historically depended on expensive satellite connectivity for international internet bandwidth. In recent years, there have been major improvements through fiber-optic links. Niger is now connected to submarine cable networks via multiple terrestrial fiber routes:

• A northward fiber link through Algeria connects Niger to the Mediterranean Sea cables. This Trans-Saharan fiber highway provides a high-capacity route to Europe.

• A westward link to Mali (and onward to the Atlantic cables) and a southern link via Nigeria offer alternative paths for internet traffic.

• New fiber routes were completed linking Niger with Chad to the east and Burkina Faso to the west, integrating Niger into a regional fiber network and providing redundancy. One notable project is the Trans-Saharan Dorsale (Backbone), supported by international investment, which created a fiber-optic backbone running across Niger and connecting into Algeria and Nigeria. By 2024, Niamey and several other cities have fiber connectivity, and the overall international bandwidth available to Niger has increased, which helps lower the wholesale cost of internet. However, the internal distribution of this bandwidth is still limited; many smaller towns are not yet connected to the fiber backbone and rely on microwave relays.

Public Initiatives for Digital Infrastructure: The Nigerien government, recognizing the importance of ICT, has launched several initiatives to improve digital infrastructure:

• Niger 2.0 Strategy (Smart Villages): The government’s national digital strategy, often referred to as “Niger 2.0 – Smart Villages”, aims to use digital technology to drive development. Implemented by the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI), this strategy includes expanding connectivity to rural areas (the “Smart Village” concept involves setting up digital community centers with internet access and e-services in remote villages), promoting e-government solutions, and increasing digital literacy. The strategy emphasizes inclusion so that rural and marginalized groups (especially women and girls) can gain access to the internet and digital tools. Under Niger 2.0, pilot projects have installed solar-powered telecenters and provided community Wi-Fi in some localities, though scaling this to all villages is an ongoing challenge.

• E-government and Administrative Modernization: The government is pushing to digitize public services. In 2024–2025, a comprehensive National Digital Transformation Policy is being adopted to accelerate this process. The policy’s goals include modernizing the administration by digitizing government workflows (reducing paper, introducing online portals for documents like birth certificates, licenses, etc.), and ensuring all ministries and agencies are connected via a secure government network. A highlight is the plan to construct a National Data Center to securely host government data and services domestically. By centralizing digital infrastructure for the public sector, Niger aims to improve efficiency and lay the groundwork for future e-services for citizens.

• Connectivity Infrastructure Projects: With support from international partners (World Bank, African Development Bank, ITU, etc.), Niger has invested in backbone infrastructure. Completion of fiber links as noted above was part of these projects. Additionally, the government in 2023 announced efforts to boost connectivity by even exploring satellite solutions – for example, in late 2023, Niger’s authorities reached an agreement to facilitate Starlink satellite internet services in the country. By opening up to low-earth orbit satellite internet (such as Starlink), Niger hopes to quickly extend high-speed broadband to areas that terrestrial networks can’t economically reach (like remote schools, health centers, and communities deep in the Sahel). This is still in early stages (regulatory approvals, pilot testing) as of 2024.

• Universal Service and Rural Coverage: The telecom regulator has a Universal Access Fund financed by a levy on operators, intended to fund telecom infrastructure in underserved areas. Some of these funds have been used to build shared towers or extend mobile coverage to rural localities that the operators wouldn’t cover on their own due to low commercial return. While progress has been slow, dozens of villages have gotten mobile signal for the first time in recent years thanks to these programs. The new digital policy also emphasizes partnerships to improve rural internet access, for example by encouraging community networks or subsidizing ISPs to enter rural markets.

Private Sector Initiatives: The private telecom operators themselves invest in network expansion and upgrades. Notably:

• Airtel and Moov have introduced or expanded mobile money agent networks, which indirectly supports digital access by incentivizing more people to use mobile phones for financial transactions (discussed more in the e-commerce section). They also periodically run promotions for cheap social media packages, helping more users come online.

• Zamani Telecom (ex-Orange) obtained fresh capital after the change of ownership and undertook a network modernization program starting 2021, including rollout of 4G and improving coverage around Niamey and regional cities.

• There has been interest in deploying fixed wireless access and enterprise broadband. A few private ISPs offer point-to-point wireless internet to businesses in Niamey. For example, some companies use WiMAX or microwave links to get connectivity. This remains a niche segment due to cost.

• In late 2024, Niger’s telecom regulator ARCEP took steps to stimulate competition by allowing MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) and by auctioning additional spectrum. This could, in theory, bring new players or at least force better prices and coverage from the incumbents.

State of Digital Infrastructure – Metrics: By global benchmarks, Niger’s telecom infrastructure is at an early stage. The United Nations Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) for 2024 gave Niger a score of just 0.158 (on a scale from 0 to 1), which is dramatically below the African regional average of 0.45. This index considers telecom density, internet bandwidth, etc., and Niger’s low score highlights the paucity of phone lines, internet bandwidth per user, and other infrastructure metrics. In the ITU’s ICT Development Index, Niger also ranks near the bottom. These statistics underscore how much investment is needed to catch up. The government’s new policy even includes ambitious plans like launching satellites – indeed, Niger announced intentions to launch three satellites (for communications, remote sensing, and airspace surveillance) to boost connectivity and data capabilities. If realized, a communications satellite could enhance national coverage for telephony and internet (especially for rural broadcasting, tele-education, etc.), though these projects are likely long-term and dependent on international technical partnerships.

Urban-Rural Digital Divide: There is a significant urban bias in Niger’s current digital infrastructure. In Niamey, consumers can access 4G, some neighborhoods have fiber-to-the-premises for organizations, and internet cafés or Wi-Fi hotspots exist for public use. In contrast, in a remote village in Tillabéri or Diffa region, residents might have only patchy 2G coverage or none at all, and no public internet facilities. Even something as basic as electricity is absent in many villages (national electrification rate is very low), which in turn hampers the ability to power phones or network equipment. The cost of internet access is also a barrier: a monthly 1GB data plan might cost the equivalent of $5–10, which is prohibitive for a large portion of the population given average incomes. In fact, the relative cost of mobile internet (price as a percentage of average income) is among the highest in Africa, making regular internet use a luxury for most Nigeriens. This leads to a situation where even those technically under network coverage may not go online often due to expense. The government and some NGOs have identified this affordability issue and are working on solutions like community internet access points and promoting cheaper smartphones.

In summary, Niger’s digital infrastructure is underdeveloped but slowly improving. Mobile networks form the core, with 3G and 4G gradually expanding in cities and major towns. Fixed broadband is practically non-existent for the general public. Internet penetration remains below 20%, hindered by coverage gaps, cost, and low digital literacy. That said, ongoing initiatives such as the National Digital Development Policy 2025, investments in fiber backbones, and innovative approaches like Starlink and community “smart villages” are laying groundwork to boost connectivity. The success of these efforts will be crucial to bringing more of Niger’s population online and bridging the urban-rural divide in access to digital services.

Digital Services, Local Platforms, and Domain Usage

Popular Online Platforms and Social Media: Given the relatively small internet-active population in Niger, the online landscape is dominated by a few global platforms rather than a multitude of local websites. Social media and messaging apps are particularly important because for many first-time internet users, these are the primary apps they use. The most used online platforms in Niger include:

• Facebook: Facebook is by far the most popular social network in Niger. As of early 2024, there were about 611,000 Facebook users in Niger. This figure corresponds almost one-to-one with the total social media users in the country (roughly 610k–611k), indicating that nearly every Nigerien who is on social media is on Facebook. Facebook’s appeal lies in its ubiquity and its lightweight version (Facebook Lite) that works on low-end Android phones and with limited bandwidth. It is common to see businesses, government agencies, and community groups using Facebook pages to share information, since it reaches the largest online audience. However, even at ~600k users, Facebook users are only ~2.2% of Niger’s population. In terms of demographics, over 80% of Facebook users in Niger are male, and a large share are young men in urban areas. Facebook is often used in French (the official language) as well as local languages for posts, and it serves as a platform for everything from news dissemination to informal commerce and social interaction.

• WhatsApp: While precise user numbers are not available (WhatsApp does not publish country user counts publicly), WhatsApp is extremely widely used among those with internet access. Even people who may not consider themselves “internet users” in surveys (because they only message) often use WhatsApp if they have a data-enabled phone. WhatsApp has likely several hundred thousand active users in Niger at minimum. It has effectively replaced SMS for those who can afford data, thanks to its free messaging and voice calls. WhatsApp is used for personal communication and increasingly by businesses and NGOs to communicate with customers or beneficiaries. For example, small businesses might take orders via WhatsApp messages, and community groups coordinate activities through WhatsApp group chats. Its popularity stems from the fact that it works reliably even on modest networks and supports local language texting (voice notes in Hausa or Zarma are common for those who find typing in French difficult).

• YouTube: As a Google service, YouTube is accessed by many internet users, though the number of dedicated YouTube account holders or content creators in Niger is limited. Because streaming video requires more bandwidth, YouTube is mainly consumed by urban youth who have slightly better connectivity or can access Wi-Fi (for instance at universities or cybercafés). There are a few Nigerien YouTube channels (for music, comedy, or news) with local content, but overall YouTube’s reach is smaller compared to text-based social media. People might download videos when they have access and share offline or watch low-resolution clips.

• Instagram: Instagram usage is present but quite small relative to Facebook. In early 2024, there were only about 88,000 Instagram users in Niger (roughly 0.3% of the population). Instagram tends to be used by younger urbanites, especially those interested in fashion, photography, and connecting with global trends. It’s not yet a primary marketing channel for most businesses in Niger, but some brands and influencers have a presence there. The user base, while growing (~12% growth in 2023), is still niche.

• LinkedIn: As surprising as it may sound, LinkedIn has a notable user base in Niger in terms of registrations – around 140,000 registered members from Niger. This likely reflects many professionals, government officials, and students who created LinkedIn profiles (possibly including Nigeriens abroad or expats in Niger). However, active usage is low; LinkedIn is mostly used for job seeking by the educated workforce and isn’t a mainstream platform in daily use.

• Twitter (X): Twitter usage in Niger has traditionally been very low, perhaps a few tens of thousands of users at most. It has some uptake among journalists, activists, and tech-savvy folks who follow international discourse. During political events (such as the 2023 coup), Twitter saw some increased use for news and citizen reporting. But overall, Twitter (now X) is not widely used by the general public in Niger.

• Other Platforms: YouTube and Facebook Messenger have usage inherently tied to Google/Facebook accounts – Messenger had around 113k users via ads reach stats, indicating a subset of Facebook users using the Messenger app. TikTok is gaining ground among youths in many developing countries; in Niger it’s not measured in the above stats but anecdotal evidence suggests urban teenagers and young adults are increasingly downloading TikTok to watch and create short videos, especially content in French or Hausa. The reach is currently limited by data costs and the small internet population, but TikTok’s engaging format appeals to the youth demographic. Telegram is used by some tech communities and those who prefer its channels feature, but it’s far less common than WhatsApp.

Importantly, Google (Search and Gmail) is widely used by those online, and Wikipedia and other informational sites see traffic, but these are not “platforms” where locals create content. For news, many Nigeriens online will visit pan-African francophone news sites or follow Facebook pages of local news outlets rather than standalone Nigerien news websites.

Language and Content: Since Niger’s official language is French and that’s the language of education, most local online content (government websites, news articles, business pages) is in French. However, French is only spoken by a minority (generally educated) in Niger; major national languages include Hausa, Zarma, Tamajeq (Tamasheq), etc. Online, one sees some content in Hausa (for example, Hausa-language videos or Facebook posts reaching communities in Niger and northern Nigeria) and to a lesser extent other local languages. The dominance of French online means a large segment of the population (those who are not francophone) have less accessible content, which is another aspect of the digital divide. Some NGOs and broadcasters produce content (like health info or educational material) in local languages for radio or WhatsApp distribution to try to bridge this gap.

Local Online Platforms and Websites: Indigenous Nigerien online platforms are still in nascent stages. There are a few notable local websites and services:

• News and Forums: Niger has some online news portals, often extensions of newspapers or radio. For example, ActuNiger, Air Info, Sahelien.com (covers Sahel region news) and government news agency ANP have websites. Their traffic is modest, and many readers access their content via links on Facebook or other social media. There are also community forums and Facebook groups where people discuss local issues (in lieu of dedicated local forum websites).

• Government Websites: The Nigerien government maintains a web presence for key ministries and offices, usually under the .ne domain. For instance, there is an official government portal, ministry websites, and the presidency’s site. These often provide information and documents, but interactive e-services are very limited. In recent times, the government has been working to improve these sites and add features (as part of e-government initiatives), but user uptake is low due to limited internet penetration.

• Educational and NGO Platforms: Some educational institutions offer online content – for example, Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey has an online portal. NGOs have set up informational websites or even simple apps addressing local needs (agricultural market info, weather alerts, etc.), sometimes as part of donor projects. One example is platforms for farmers to get advice via mobile (which might use SMS/IVR rather than internet due to reach).

• Local Search/Directory: There are budding attempts at local directories or marketplaces. For instance, Yazi (a local startup a few years ago) aimed to be a sort of marketplace/classifieds platform connecting sellers and buyers in Niger. Adoption of such local platforms is slow; many people revert to using Facebook groups for classifieds.

Overall, global platforms overshadow local ones because they already have user bases and functionality, whereas local startups face the challenge of building both the service and the audience from scratch in a difficult environment. That said, as internet access grows, we can expect more Niger-specific digital content and platforms to emerge.

.ne Domain Usage: The country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Niger is .ne. However, unlike some other countries’ domains, .ne is not widely used either internationally or even within Niger. There are only on the order of a few hundred active .ne domain registrations (an ICANN study in 2023 cited roughly 947 .ne domains in total). The primary users of .ne domains are government institutions and some large organizations in Niger. For example, ANSI’s official site is ansi.ne, and some ministries or agencies use .ne addresses. A handful of local businesses and projects have .ne websites, but many opt for generic domains like .com or .org due to easier registration or broader familiarity.

Several factors contribute to the low uptake of .ne:

• Cost and Process: Registering a .ne domain has historically been relatively expensive and administratively cumbersome. The domain is managed by Niger Telecom (formerly Sonitel), and for a long time, the process required manual paperwork and local presence. The price was higher than mass-market .com domains. This deterred small businesses or individuals from using .ne.

• Lack of Awareness: Many Nigerien internet users and businesses are simply more aware of .com, .org, and even .net domains. They might not see a strong reason to use .ne given its low recognition.

• Technical Constraints: In the past, there were technical issues with the .ne registry reliability, making it less attractive for important websites that need uptime.

• No external niche: Some ccTLDs get picked up globally for cute domain hacks or special meanings (e.g. .io, .ai). “.ne” could theoretically be used as an ending for words (like English words ending in “ne” or as “ne” = northeast, or in French “ne” is a part of negation, but by itself it has no special appeal). As a result, .ne hasn’t seen foreign demand driving registrations.

Because of these reasons, a lot of Niger’s online content sits on other domains: for example, non-profits might use .org, news sites might use .com or .net, etc. Additionally, many businesses forego a dedicated website altogether and rely on a Facebook page for their online presence – sidestepping the need for a domain name. For local entrepreneurs who do create a site, using a readily available domain from an international registrar is often easier than going through the local .ne process.

The Nigerien authorities (through ANSI) are aware of the low .ne usage and have expressed interest in promoting the national domain as part of the digital ecosystem development. Simplifying registration and lowering cost could encourage more adoption by local entities in the future. But as of 2024, seeing a .ne address is relatively uncommon in the wild, apart from government and a few exceptions.

Local Tech Companies and Startups: Despite the challenging environment, Niger has a budding tech and startup scene, mostly centered in Niamey. A combination of young graduates, some diaspora returnees, and support from development programs has led to the creation of a handful of startups and small tech companies aiming to provide services tailored to Niger’s market. Some examples and notable areas include:

• E-commerce and Delivery Startups: One pioneering startup is Direct Resto (now rebranded simply as Direct – Solutions Digitales). Founded in 2018 in Niamey, Direct Resto started as a food delivery app – essentially the first service in Niger where users could order meals via a mobile app and get them delivered. It introduced a “drive/pickup” and delivery system digitalized for restaurants. Over time, Direct expanded its model to deliver groceries and other products, becoming a broader on-demand platform. It’s often highlighted in local media as a success story of Niger’s tech scene, demonstrating that e-commerce models can be adapted locally. The company works with restaurants and retailers in Niamey and has had to build its own logistics network for delivery (given the lack of established delivery companies). While its scale is still small, Direct Resto’s survival and growth showcase the potential for e-commerce in an urban niche.

• Fintech and Payments: Given the low banking rates, there is interest in fintech solutions. Mobile money (offered by telcos like Airtel Money, Moov Money, and Zamani’s mobile money) is technically not a startup but an important digital service. It has opened opportunities for fintech startups to build on top of these platforms – for example, services for bill payments, mobile money-based savings, or microloan facilitation. A few fintech-oriented startups or projects exist, often with donor support, to increase financial inclusion (like digitizing community savings groups or offering digital credit scoring). One example is a platform for digital school fee payments via mobile money to ease transactions for parents and schools.

• E-learning and EdTech: Some startups and initiatives focus on digital education, such as creating e-learning content in French and local languages. With such a young population, edtech could have a market if connectivity improves. There are efforts like providing educational videos via offline means (projectors, etc.) and tying them with online teacher training platforms.

• Agritech: Agriculture being key, a few initiatives exist to provide farmers with market price information via SMS or simple apps, or to connect farmers with buyers. For instance, an online platform for trading agricultural commodities was piloted (though uptake depends on rural connectivity). Another innovation is the use of drones or remote sensing data (via projects) to help with crop monitoring – not a private startup per se, but part of digital services being applied in agriculture with outside assistance.

• IT Services Companies: Besides startups, Niamey has small IT firms and digital agencies that build websites, develop custom software for NGOs or businesses, and provide IT support. These are often contracted for setting up networks or developing simple mobile apps for clients. While not “startups” chasing scale, they form an important part of the digital ecosystem as employers of tech talent and enablers for other sectors going digital.

• Incubators and Hubs: To support entrepreneurship, Niger has seen the establishment of tech hubs like CIPMEN (Centre Incubateur des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises du Niger). CIPMEN, launched mid-2010s in Niamey, is an incubator that provides training, co-working space, and mentorship to startups in ICT, renewable energy, and agribusiness. It has been backed by international partners and has fostered startups including some of those mentioned. There is also the newer Drone Academy and innovation spaces focusing on youth, indicating a growing community of innovators.

The local startup scene is still tiny compared to larger African markets; fundraising is tough (nearly all are self-funded or grant-funded, with few venture capital investors aware of Niger). Nonetheless, these startups are important as they bring locally adapted digital solutions – such as apps that use French and Hausa interfaces, or business models like cash-on-delivery integration – which big international players have not provided in Niger.

Usage of Digital Platforms by Businesses: Outside of tech startups, how are traditional Nigerien businesses engaging with digital? Mostly through global platforms rather than custom ones. For example:

• Hotels and travel agencies in Niger maintain websites or at least Facebook pages to attract tourists and visitors (the tourism sector, while small, does use online channels to reach a global audience interested in Saharan expeditions, etc.).

• Larger companies (e.g., telecom operators, banks, airlines) have websites and sometimes mobile apps. Banks like Bank of Africa Niger or Société Générale Niger offer internet banking and have mobile banking apps for smartphones, though user adoption is limited to their relatively small customer base.

• SMEs often prefer a Facebook page over investing in a full website. One might find a Niamey-based fashion boutique showcasing new arrivals on an Instagram feed, or a restaurant posting its menu and promotions on Facebook. This low-barrier approach makes sense in Niger’s context because the target audience (internet users) largely overlaps with social media users.

• There are also classified ad groups on Facebook (for selling used cars, electronics, etc.) which serve the function that a dedicated platform like Jiji or Craigslist might in other countries. These informal digital marketplaces are active within the limited online community.

Adoption of the .ne domain among businesses is minimal as noted. Many local businesses, if they have a website at all, might use a .com (for instance, a Niger-based NGO might have a .org or a company might use a .com that reflects its name). The low count of .ne domains highlights that having a local domain is not seen as critical; reaching the audience on social media or via widely used platforms is a higher priority.

In summary, Niger’s digital services ecosystem is characterized by heavy use of a few global platforms (especially Facebook and WhatsApp) for communication and content, low utilization of the country’s own domain and local websites, and a small but growing crop of local digital innovators focusing on niches like delivery, fintech, and e-government. As internet access slowly expands, these local platforms and startups may play a bigger role, but for now the internet in Niger is largely synonymous with social media and basic online info, rather than a vast array of indigenous web services.

E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Landscape

Emergence of E-Commerce: E-commerce in Niger is at an early stage of development, constrained by low internet penetration, limited electronic payment options, and logistical challenges. Nonetheless, there is a nascent e-commerce landscape primarily in Niamey and a few other urban areas, and it is gradually growing. The concept of online shopping is still novel to most Nigeriens – the vast majority of retail and trade happens in traditional open-air markets and brick-and-mortar shops, or through informal networks. That said, the small segment of the population that is online (and relatively more affluent) has begun to experiment with e-commerce for convenience or access to products.

There are a few modes of e-commerce in Niger:

• Local online marketplaces and stores: As mentioned earlier, startups like Direct (formerly Direct Resto) have introduced online ordering for food and groceries. There are also Facebook-based stores – for example, some entrepreneurs run an Instagram or Facebook page where they showcase products (clothing, cosmetics, gadgets) and take orders via messaging. Customers typically pay on delivery or via mobile money. Essentially, social media doubles as an e-commerce platform in the absence of a dominant dedicated marketplace site.

• Informal peer-to-peer sales: Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups serve as digital classifieds. In Niamey, it’s common to have WhatsApp groups where members post items for sale (phones, furniture, etc.) and others in the group can buy. This is a very informal kind of e-commerce but it is happening among the connected community.

• International e-commerce reaching Niger: A handful of people order from international e-commerce sites. For example, those with means might order goods from Amazon or AliExpress, but since these companies don’t have operations in Niger, such orders are facilitated through intermediaries or delivered to a neighbor country. Often, someone might purchase from Jumia (an Africa-focused e-commerce company) but Jumia doesn’t have a local Niger site; however, they might deliver to Niger via their Nigeria or Ivory Coast operations, or the customer arranges pickup across the border. This is not common except among expatriates or a tech-savvy elite due to complexity and customs fees.

• Regional platforms: In West Africa, platforms like Jumia and Jiji (a classifieds site) are popular in countries like Nigeria and Ghana. In Niger, Jiji does not have an official presence, and Jumia’s platform doesn’t list Niger as a country site. However, some Nigerien consumers near the Nigerian border tap into Nigerian e-commerce (given cultural and language ties especially with northern Nigeria/Hausa areas). In reality, because of the lack of tailored support (language, delivery), regional platforms haven’t made deep inroads into Niger yet.

Volume and Growth: In quantitative terms, e-commerce’s share of total retail in Niger is extremely small – likely well below 1%. But the growth rate can be high year-on-year simply because it’s starting from almost zero. For instance, Direct saw increasing orders each year and expanded its user base among Niamey’s middle class. During the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2021), there was a slight uptick in interest for online ordering and delivery, as lockdowns and movement restrictions forced businesses to explore remote sales. Some restaurants and supermarkets in Niamey started offering phone/online orders and delivery to survive during those times. This period arguably kick-started the food delivery segment.

Payment Methods for E-Commerce: One of the biggest hurdles for e-commerce in Niger is the payment system. Credit card penetration is extremely low – very few people have international bank cards that could be used for online payments. The banking rate in Niger is under 10% of adults, and even those with bank accounts often don’t have a debit card that is enabled for e-commerce. Therefore, e-commerce in Niger relies on two main payment methods:

• Cash on Delivery (COD): This is the dominant method. Customers order online or by phone, and when the item is delivered to their door, they pay in cash. While convenient for customers who trust only cash, it poses challenges like higher risk for the seller (no upfront payment, risk of refusal) and managing cash logistics. Nonetheless, COD is standard practice for local deliveries. For example, Direct’s couriers accept cash (though they are also starting to accept mobile money).

• Mobile Money: The rise of mobile money offers an alternative digital payment method. Services like Airtel Money and Moov Flooz allow users to send money via their phone balance. Many urban Nigeriens now have a mobile money wallet – it’s estimated that in 2021, around 15-20% of adults had a mobile money account (this number is likely higher in 2024). E-commerce businesses can use mobile money by having the customer transfer the payment to the merchant’s number either before delivery or upon delivery (the agent can show a QR code or phone number to receive money). Mobile money is increasingly used for buying mobile airtime, paying some bills, and person-to-person transfers; extending it to pay for goods is a natural next step. However, both buyer and seller need to trust the system and have accounts, and currently usage is more among younger, literate users.

• Bank Transfers: In rare cases for high-value transactions (like B2B orders), direct bank transfers or deposits might be arranged, but for consumer e-commerce this is not typical.

• No widespread card or online payment gateway: There isn’t yet a widely used local equivalent of PayPal or a domestic payment gateway for cards. A few businesses have experimented with integrating payment gateways from nearby markets (for instance, using a Senegalese or Nigerian fintech service), but this is not mainstream.

The limited payment infrastructure means many e-commerce interactions blur into offline processes (order online but pay offline). Improving digital payments is critical for future growth of true e-commerce. Encouragingly, the central bank of the West African region has been pushing mobile money interoperability and fintech, which might yield better payment options in coming years.

Logistics and Delivery Services: Another critical component is the delivery logistics. Niger’s addressing system is underdeveloped – most streets in residential areas have no names or formal addresses, especially outside Niamey’s city center. Delivery often requires the courier to call the customer for landmarks or meet at known points. Companies like Direct have had to build a directory of landmarks and guide their drivers using local knowledge. There are emerging local courier services in Niamey: a few startups offer motorbike delivery on call (some are tied to the e-commerce ventures, others operate independently to deliver documents, parcels within the city). For inter-city delivery, Niger has traditional bus and transport companies that carry packages between cities (similar to a postal service, since the official postal system is not wide-reaching). Some entrepreneurs piggyback on these for e-commerce delivery beyond Niamey.

It’s worth noting that Jumia once considered operating in Niger but likely held off due to the small market size. Instead, some local businesses try to emulate Jumia’s model on a smaller scale. For example, there are online pages that aggregate products from multiple sellers and act as a mini marketplace – essentially informal e-commerce hubs.

Notable Online Businesses and Platforms: Aside from Direct (food delivery), we can mention:

• Electronique Plus (example): A consumer electronics retailer in Niamey that started taking orders via Facebook/WhatsApp and offering delivery of phones and gadgets.

• Pharmacies and Grocers: A couple of pharmacies in Niamey allow ordering medicines via WhatsApp with delivery, especially useful during lockdown times. Similarly, some grocery stores experimented with phone ordering.

• Ride-hailing: While not precisely e-commerce, on-demand services are part of the digital services landscape. Niger does not have Uber/Bolt, but there have been attempts to create local ride-hailing or moto-taxi apps. Given that the informal taxi sector is strong, these haven’t taken off widely, but they indicate the direction of travel for online platforms extending into daily services.

In the broader sense, business digitization is slowly happening: even if full e-commerce is rare, companies are using digital tools for commerce. For example, a car parts dealer might not have an online checkout system, but they will display inventory on a website or Facebook album and then accept phone inquiries and arrange sales. This partial digitization is an important step toward a more fully integrated e-commerce environment as trust and infrastructure improve.

Digital Marketing Trends: In a country where mass internet usage is limited, digital marketing is still a supplemental channel for most businesses, but it is becoming more prominent as internet penetration increases (albeit slowly). Key trends in how businesses and organizations approach digital marketing in Niger include:

• Facebook as the primary marketing channel: Businesses of all sizes often create a Facebook page to establish an online presence. It’s common to see shops, restaurants, hotels, schools, even government projects maintaining Facebook pages where they post updates, promotions, and engage with followers. Facebook’s advertising tools are also utilized – a company can pay to “boost” a post or run a targeted ad campaign aimed at users in Niger. Given the relatively small pool of Facebook users in-country, a modest budget can reach a large portion of them. For example, a Niamey-based retail store might run Facebook ads to promote a sale, targeting users aged 18-35 in Niamey. The cost of digital ads per impression is low and the competition for attention is not as fierce as in larger markets, so those who do advertise online can get decent visibility.

• WhatsApp for business communications: Many small businesses use WhatsApp Business app features. They list a contact number for WhatsApp orders or inquiries on their signage and social media. WhatsApp Business allows them to set a catalog of products that users can view. While more popular in other countries, in Niger it’s starting to catch on among urban entrepreneurs. For instance, a boutique might upload pictures of dresses to its WhatsApp Business profile so customers can browse and message to buy. Bulk messaging via WhatsApp is also a tactic: some businesses compile customer phone lists and send out broadcast messages about new products or deals (essentially like a newsletter via WhatsApp).

• Influencer and Social Media Marketing: A very nascent trend in Niger is the use of local influencers. Since the social media user base is small, there are not many full-time influencers as seen in larger markets, but there are a few personalities on Facebook/TikTok/Instagram who have garnered a following by creating content (comedy skits, motivational posts, beauty tips, etc.). Companies have begun to partner with these individuals to promote products or services. For example, a popular Nigerien Facebook personality might be given free merchandise or a small fee to post about a new restaurant or an event. These are often informal arrangements. Given that 80%+ of social media users are male, there is particular interest in finding female influencers to reach women (who are underrepresented online) – NGOs and brands have supported some female content creators or “micro-influencers” to engage women with topics like education, health, and eventually product marketing as well.

• Content in French and local languages: Digital marketers have to decide on language; many do bilingual posts (French with some Hausa translation) to maximize reach. For example, a mobile operator might run an ad on Facebook in French but include a Hausa version of the message in the image or caption, aiming to engage Hausa-speaking youth. This bilingual approach helps broaden the message given the mixed audience linguistically.

• Email and Websites: Email marketing is not widely effective in Niger for consumer outreach – few people have email and check it regularly except working professionals. So, unlike more developed markets, newsletters and email campaigns are not a primary focus for consumer marketing (though NGOs and B2B communication still rely on email). Company websites are often static and serve more as online brochures; they’re not frequently updated with interactive marketing content. Real-time engagement is happening on social media instead.

• SMS Marketing: Because virtually everyone has a mobile phone (even if not a smartphone), SMS is a valuable channel to reach the broader population electronically. Companies and banks use SMS blasts to advertise promotions or send notices. For example, a telecom operator will send SMS ads about new data bundles to all its subscribers. Banks send SMS alerts for new loan offers or account info. During campaigns like immunization drives or elections, mass SMS messages are also used for public information. From a marketing perspective, SMS can reach millions of subscribers, including those who are not on the internet, which is critical in Niger. The downside is that people may ignore or delete unsolicited SMS, but it remains one of the few ways to electronically reach rural and low-income consumers.

• Traditional vs Digital: It’s important to note that traditional media (radio, TV, billboards) still dominate advertising in Niger. Radio is king for reaching rural audiences (with community radio stations across the country broadcasting in local languages). Television in urban areas and billboards in Niamey are commonly used by telcos, banks, and consumer goods companies. However, budgets are slowly shifting to include digital. For example, a telecom company launching a new product will still primarily spend on big radio/TV campaigns, but they will also allocate a portion to a social media campaign and engage with followers online to answer questions about the product. The integration of hashtags or social media contests alongside traditional ads is a new phenomenon as companies try to drive the conversation online.

Online Consumer Behavior: The small segment of Niger’s consumers who are active online exhibit some distinct behaviors and preferences:

• Trust and Skepticism: Since transacting online is not yet common, many consumers are cautious. Trust is built through personal interaction – hence cash on delivery is preferred because the buyer wants to see the product physically before paying. There is wariness of scams; for instance, people are careful about advance payments and will often only deal with sellers they know or that have a good reputation (word-of-mouth is crucial, even in online deals).

• Price Sensitivity: Online consumers in Niger are extremely price-conscious, as are offline consumers. Many will use digital means to compare prices or hunt for bargains. For example, someone might check Facebook Marketplace listings to gauge a fair price for a used phone before buying one in the market. Businesses note that posting prices publicly (e.g., on Facebook) invites haggling or people commenting that they found cheaper elsewhere. This reflects the general market bargaining culture carried into the online space.

• Preference for local transactions: Given difficulties in international shipping and payment, consumers stick to local or at most regional sellers. An average Nigerien online buyer would rather deal with a merchant in Niamey (or in Nigeria for specialized goods) than try to order from Europe or the US. As such, e-commerce here has a strong local character—serving basically Niamey’s intra-city needs at this stage.

• Digital Content Consumption: Consumers primarily use the internet on mobile phones, and they favor lightweight content due to bandwidth and cost. They watch short videos (downloading longer videos when they find free Wi-Fi, rather than streaming), they communicate in voice notes rather than video calls to save data, and they use apps with offline modes if possible. For example, some might download YouTube videos via a Wi-Fi connection at work onto their phone to watch later at home where they have no internet. Awareness of data cost shapes behavior.

• Reaction to Digital Advertising: The relatively new exposure to digital ads means some users find them engaging (e.g., a flashy Facebook ad from a brand might actually get noticed since it’s something different on their feed), but others with more experience might use ad blockers or simply scroll past. One advantage for marketers is that the pool is small enough that they can often directly interact; e.g., if a user comments a question on a Facebook ad (“How much is this item? Is it available in Zinder?”), the company’s social media manager can respond promptly, creating a one-on-one engagement that builds trust. This kind of responsiveness helps convert skeptical users into customers over time.

Digital Advertising Spend: Measured data on digital ad spend in Niger is scarce, but it is still a minor fraction of total advertising expenditures. However, that fraction is growing year by year. Telecom operators are among the biggest advertisers and they have been increasingly pouring money into Facebook and Google advertising, since they need to target the youth market that is online. Similarly, international organizations running campaigns (for public health, education) include social media in their communication strategy, allocating budget for that alongside radio spots. We might estimate that by 2025, perhaps 5-10% of advertising budget of major firms in Niger goes to digital channels, up from near 0% a few years prior. This percentage will rise as internet reach expands.

In conclusion, e-commerce in Niger is nascent but slowly expanding, largely centered on informal methods and a few pioneering startups in the capital. Growth in this sector depends on improvements in trust, payments, and delivery infrastructure. Meanwhile, digital marketing is becoming an important tool for businesses to reach the limited but growing online audience. Companies use a mix of Facebook, WhatsApp, and SMS to engage customers, capitalizing on the highly social nature of Niger’s internet usage. Consumer behavior online is still taking shape – at present it mirrors offline habits (bargaining, preference for in-person verification) adapted to the digital format. Over the next few years, as initiatives to improve digital infrastructure and literacy (like the national digital policy and better rural connectivity) take effect, the base of internet users should broaden. A broader base will make online commerce and marketing more viable and attractive in Niger. Businesses that lay the groundwork now – establishing credible online presences, integrating mobile payments, and building trust with consumers – will be well positioned to benefit from the gradual but inevitable digital uptake in the country. The trajectory is clear: even in one of the world’s least connected economies, the digital economy – encompassing internet access, online services, and digital marketing – is poised to become an increasingly significant component of Niger’s development and business landscape in the coming decade.