Nigeria is exploring new fibre-optic connectivity routes to Burkina Faso as part of efforts to expand digital infrastructure across West Africa and the Sahel.
The proposed initiative could reduce the cost of internet connectivity in landlocked Burkina Faso by up to 50 per cent, while creating new opportunities for digital cooperation between the two countries.
The proposal was discussed during talks between Nigerian and Burkinabè officials on expanding digital cooperation.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the two countries would examine potential connectivity corridors that could link Burkina Faso to Nigeria’s growing fibre infrastructure.
Two Routes Under Consideration
Officials are considering two potential routes.
The first would connect Nigeria to Burkina Faso through Niger, while the second would establish a connection through Benin.
Both routes could provide Burkina Faso with additional access to international internet infrastructure and reduce its dependence on more expensive connectivity arrangements.
Following the discussions, Nigeria and Burkina Faso are expected to establish a Technical Working Committee to develop an implementation framework for the proposed partnership.
The committee would examine the technical, commercial and operational requirements needed to make the proposed corridors viable.
Expanding Nigeria’s Digital Footprint
For Nigeria, the initiative represents an opportunity to extend the country’s digital infrastructure beyond its borders.
Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest telecommunications markets and an expanding fibre-optic network.
Leveraging that infrastructure to support neighbouring countries could strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional digital hub.
It could also deepen economic integration across West Africa by improving the movement of digital services and information between countries.
Potential Benefits for Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country, meaning it does not have direct access to submarine internet cables.
This can increase the cost and complexity of obtaining reliable international connectivity.
A direct fibre connection through neighbouring countries could therefore provide Burkina Faso with additional routes to global internet infrastructure.
Lower connectivity costs could benefit businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and ordinary internet users.
Improved connectivity could also support the growth of sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, digital education, cloud services and technology startups.
Regional Digital Integration
The proposal comes as African countries increasingly recognise digital infrastructure as an important component of economic development.
Reliable and affordable internet access can improve productivity while helping businesses reach customers beyond their domestic markets.
For West Africa, stronger cross-border fibre connections could contribute to the development of a more integrated regional digital economy.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso will now need to determine how the proposed routes can be financed, constructed and operated.
The planned Technical Working Committee is expected to play a central role in translating the proposal into a practical implementation framework.
If successfully implemented, the project could demonstrate how regional cooperation can use existing infrastructure to reduce digital inequality and make internet access more affordable.
For Nigeria, it would also reinforce the country’s ambition to become a leading digital infrastructure and innovation hub in Africa.
