The achievement project concerning Algiers- Zinder- Abuja fiber optic link is part of the regional scope initiative, or even continental, conducted in the framework of the New Partnership For Developing Africa (NEPAD).

This project, based on a common political will of the heads of three states: Algeria, Niger and Nigeria, allows to:

• - Provide populations of the three countries as well as the other neighbouring countries with a modern and strong ICT transport infrastructures;
• - Federate the regional traffic, including landlocked neighbors as Mali, Tchad, Benin and Togo to route it toward Europe via the existing landing points of the submarine fiber optic cables and those in progress in Algeria.

Project’s Key-Steps:

• Achievement of Algiers - Abuja fiber optic link was decided at the first session of the Algerian - Nigerian High Commission co-chaired by the two presidents, held in January 2002
• June 2003: Niger joined the project officially;
• March 12, 2003 in Algiers: signature of a Memorandum of understanding based on the decisions taken in the 2nd session of the High bilateral cooperation Commission held in Algiers;
• July 26, 2005: signature of an agreement of building, exploitation and maintenance in Niamey;
• February 2008- June 2010: completion and adoption of the technical specifications in three versions: Arabic, French and English;
• June 27, 2010: first ministerial meeting (the Declaration of Algiers);
• March 22/24, 2011: adoption of technical and administrative specifications and setting up the managing Committee.

Technology’s selection and infrastructure’s scope

The project stretches from Algiers (Algeria) to Abuja (Nigeria) crossing Zinder (Niger). It extends on 4 500 Km and the biggest distance is in Algeria:

• Algeria :  2 800 Km
• Niger    :   900 Km
• Nigéria :   800 Km

The planned system will be built on:

• A Land cable of 72 single-mode fiber optic standard ITU-T G652D of which 36 strands will be used by each Party and for its self needs;
• Cable’s frame will be made of glass fiber;
• The cable-laying technique will use covers.

Algiers-Ain Guezzam section stretching till the Nigerian border is part of the national optic fiber backbone of the historical operator Algérie Telecom. This link, which is already operational, will be enhanced and secured through local loops, thus enabling to ensure services continuity, permanent availability of the link as well as the African and domestic traffic’s take over especially in Niger, Nigeria and Tchad.

This project’s achievement must comply with the specifications requirements as defined by the technical Committee in charge of Algiers-Zinder-Abuja project.

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