Nigeria, Chad advance digital connectivity partnership at ITU PP-26 in Qatar

At the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Qatar, Nigeria and Chad inked a joint Expression of Interest to explore a cross-border fibre-optic connectivity project. The agreement, signed by Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Chad's Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalisation, Haliki Choua Mahamat, emphasizes the conference's role in fostering bilateral engagements and advancing digital infrastructure initiatives.

The Nigeria-Chad Fibre Link aims to establish an open-access fibre-optic connection between the two African nations, enhancing regional digital infrastructure, boosting network resilience, and potentially lowering broadband costs. The project builds upon existing digital infrastructure development efforts in both countries, such as Nigeria's Project BRIDGE and Chad's Project CARDIP.

This development underscores Qatar's significance as the host of ITU PP-26, providing a platform for participating nations to explore practical cooperation and address telecommunications challenges. The signing follows discussions during Dr. Tijani's visit to Chad in September 2026, where both countries explored the potential for expanding Nigeria's fibre infrastructure into Chad.

The initiative not only strengthens bilateral telecommunications cooperation but also highlights the growing importance of regional digital integration in enhancing broadband accessibility and improving communications infrastructure across Africa. The agreement reaffirms Nigeria and Chad's shared commitment to advancing cross-border digital infrastructure and strengthening regional cooperation through improved connectivity.