Chad’s Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Public Administration Digitisation, Dr Boukar Michel, concluded a three-day working visit to Niger on Thursday, marking a significant step in reinforcing bilateral cooperation in the strategic telecommunications sector.
The visit, which took place from June 17 to 20, culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two nations focused on the revitalisation and implementation of the Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone interconnection project.
A closing statement, delivered by Safitel Deputy Director General Tomboye Ibrahim Mahamat, described the visit as a success, highlighting its role in strengthening the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Chad and Niger.
Dr Boukar Michel led a high-level delegation comprising the ICT Advisor to the Chadian Presidency, the Secretary General of the Ministry, Directors of Planning and Strategy, senior officials from Safitel Chad, and digital infrastructure experts.
The Chadian minister expressed his “deep gratitude” to Nigerien authorities for the warm reception and hospitality extended throughout his stay.
During meetings with his Nigerien counterpart, Adji Ali Salatou, both ministers reiterated their commitment to accelerating the cross-border fibre optic link, a key component of regional digital integration.
“This cooperation reflects the shared vision of our two Heads of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic of Niger, and Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad,” the ministers noted in a joint statement.
Dr Michel also paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerien Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, delivering greetings from his Chadian counterpart and reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration at the highest levels of government.
The Chadian delegation also toured Niger’s new national data centre currently under construction — a symbol of the country’s push to expand its digital infrastructure.
Concluding the visit, Dr Boukar Michel extended an invitation to his Nigerien counterpart for a reciprocal visit to Chad, signalling a shared desire to deepen cooperation and build a more interconnected digital future for the Sahel region.
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