Nigeria explores fibre expansion to slash Burkina Faso costs

Nigeria, Africa's largest telecom market, is exploring new fiber routes through Niger and Benin that could slash internet connectivity costs in landlocked Burkina Faso by up to 50 percent, as the government seeks to expand digital infrastructure beyond its borders. The proposal is part of discussions between Nigeria and Burkina Faso on strengthening digital cooperation, with Nigeria leveraging its growing fiber infrastructure to improve connectivity across the wider West African and Sahel regions.

Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed that the two countries would examine two potential connectivity corridors, one running from Nigeria through Niger to Burkina Faso, and the other connecting Nigeria to Burkina Faso through Benin. The objective is to determine whether these routes can provide Burkina Faso, with a population of approximately 25 million, with a cheaper and more resilient path to international internet connectivity.

The proposed reduction in costs is not yet confirmed, as the countries are still assessing the routes and developing the framework for implementation. This initiative builds on Nigeria's Project BRIDGE, which aims to expand the country's open-access fiber infrastructure. Nigeria, having direct access to international submarine cable systems, is investing in an extensive domestic fiber backbone, which could create an alternative route for internet traffic into Burkina Faso, enhancing connectivity resilience.

Beyond fiber expansion, Nigeria and Burkina Faso plan to deepen cooperation in digital skills, technology startups, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and research, fostering a stronger digital ecosystem and shared prosperity across borders.