The Institut National de la Statistique (INS) officially delivered its data analysis report on household and individual access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. This handover marks a key step in providing key insights into digital connectivity across Niger, offering a full snapshot of the nation's digital landscape. The report's findings are intended to furnish data for specific indicators related to the Sustainable Development Goals, aiding national development planning by providing a strong evidence base for policy formulation. This initiative shows Niger's commitment to leveraging data-driven approaches to foster digital inclusion and advance its socio-economic development objectives.
Key Findings on ICT Access
The report from the Institut National de la Statistique (INS) indicates that mobile phone usage is widespread among households, with 84.2% reporting ownership. This high penetration rate notes the mobile phone as a primary tool for communication and access to digital services across the country. The data reveals that two-thirds of individuals aged 15 years and over utilize a mobile phone, indicating a significant level of personal mobile device adoption among the adult population. This widespread usage points to the potential for mobile technology to drive further digital transformation and access to information in Niger.
The data further reveals that 64.9% of households in Niger have access to the internet, marking a substantial level of connectivity at the household level. However, internet usage shows significant regional disparities, presenting a challenge for equitable digital development. In the capital, Niamey, internet penetration reaches 63.5% of the population, reflecting a higher concentration of digital infrastructure and services. Conversely, in Diffa, internet usage is considerably lower, standing at 17.9%. This stark contrast between urban and rural or less developed regions shows the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and ensure more uniform access to online resources across the nation.
While mobile phone and internet access are relatively high, the report notes that the possession of personal computers remains limited across the nation. Only 5.0% of households own a computer, indicating a low national penetration rate for this technology. This suggests that while many Nigeriens can access the internet via mobile devices, the availability of more powerful computing tools for education, advanced work, or digital literacy remains a significant barrier for the vast majority of households. The low computer ownership rate also implies potential limitations in developing advanced digital skills among the population.
Report's Purpose and Statistical Aims
The survey conducted by the Institut National de la Statistique (INS) aims to update Niger's national digital policy for the period 2021-2030. This objective shows the government's intention to leverage current data in shaping future digital strategies, ensuring they are responsive to the actual needs and existing infrastructure of the population. The INS stated that the survey on access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) also seeks to enhance the reliability and quality of data generated by the National Statistical System. This commitment to data integrity is key for fostering trust in national statistics and for informing effective governance. These efforts contribute to providing accurate and timely statistics essential for national development planning and policy adjustments, allowing decision-makers to track progress and identify areas requiring further investment. The findings are expected to inform various sectors, ensuring that digital policies are grounded in the most current understanding of household and individual ICT access across the country, thereby maximizing their impact and relevance.
Ministerial and Expert Reactions
The Institut National de la Statistique (INS) presented its report to M. Adji Ali Salatou, the minister responsible for communication and new information technologies. The delivery shows the government's engagement with the findings to inform future policy decisions, recognizing the critical role of ICT in national development. The minister's receipt of the report signifies its importance to national digital strategy development, particularly in addressing areas of lower internet penetration and overall ICT access. The data collected is expected to guide initiatives aimed at improving digital inclusion across Niger, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are shared more equitably among its citizens.
The report notes that 39.5% of individuals aged 15 years and over used the internet within the last three months. This statistic offers a snapshot of recent internet engagement among a significant segment of the population, providing context for the broader figures on internet access and indicating active participation in the digital sphere. This figure, though lower than overall access rates, points to the actual utilization frequency and could guide efforts to increase regular internet engagement. The full data presented in the report will be instrumental in formulating strategic approaches to expand access, enhance digital literacy, and promote the effective use of ICTs throughout Niger, aligning with the national digital policy and broader Sustainable Development Goals.