In 2023, the Tahoua region of Niger—characterised by recurring droughts, food insecurity, and insecurity linked to Sahel instability—faced significant challenges related to limited connectivity and digital exclusion. In many rural communities, access to reliable internet, electricity, and digital services remains extremely low, restricting opportunities for education, communication, and access to essential information.
To address these gaps, the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), as part of its broader Sahel Project, initiated the establishment of an Information, Communication and Training Centre in Tahoua. The centre is designed as a community‑focused digital hub, providing a safe and inclusive environment for learning, communication, and engagement.
At the heart of the centre’s functionality is reliable connectivity, enabled by a contribution from the Government of Luxembourg through emergency.lu. Luxembourg provided a complete Ku‑band VSAT satellite system and accessories to the WFP Niger country office, ensuring the centre could operate independently of fragile local infrastructure from day one.
The centre offers a range of services to communities, including:
- Free internet access for individuals and groups
- Public Wi‑Fi hotspots extending connectivity to surrounding areas
- Dedicated space for digital learning and training
- Facilities for community engagement and information sharing
By combining connectivity with capacity‑building activities, the centre goes beyond infrastructure, aiming to strengthen digital literacy and local resilience. Training programmes help community members develop practical skills, enabling them to use digital tools for education, communication, and livelihood opportunities.
