04 February 2026
Niger's Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP) has taken a significant step to enhance its supervision of the telecommunications industry with the inauguration of a comprehensive ongoing monitoring platform. 
Held in Niamey on January 28, the new system is designed to provide continuous oversight of mobile networks from technical, economic, and regulatory perspectives.
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, who represented the Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of the initiative. She stated that the platform underscores Niger’s commitment to regaining control over its digital future, strengthening government authority in key sectors, and harnessing technology as a tool for sovereignty, justice, and development.
The platform integrates three advanced technical tools. The first, TRAFSCAN, automates and continuously collects data on voice, data, and SMS traffic, as well as revenue figures, giving ARCEP a clear picture of market dynamics. QUALCOP monitors service quality through metrics such as network coverage, radio site availability, and key performance indicators, ensuring ongoing assessment of operator performance. The third tool, NETFIX, centralizes management of critical electronic communication infrastructure, including fiber optic networks.
Despite a slight slowdown in mobile telephony, ARCEP’s latest data indicates the Nigerien telecom market remains vibrant. As of the end of the first quarter of 2025, mobile subscribers numbered around 16.8 million, with a penetration rate of approximately 59.73%, slightly below the 60.70% recorded at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, internet usage continues to grow robustly, with 11.2 million subscribers, including 8.3 million on mobile internet. This marks an increase of 2.8 million new internet users in just three months, boosting the internet penetration rate from 34% to 40%, a rise of six percentage points.
In the context of rapid digital expansion, the new monitoring platform is seen as a strategic tool for ARCEP. It aims to improve market transparency, ensure operators meet their obligations, and provide reliable data to inform regulatory decisions. Ultimately, the platform is expected to enhance service quality for consumers, optimize public revenue from the sector, and support Niger’s broader digital transformation and economic development efforts.
