Madar (Niamey) - Niger's National Communication Observatory (ONC) and Algeria's National Independent Audiovisual Regulatory Authority (ANIRA) have agreed to step up cooperation on media regulation, audiovisual and digital monitoring and the fight against disinformation, Niger's official ANP news agency reported on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
The announcement followed a working visit to Algeria by ONC president Ibrahim Manzo Diallo from 20 to 24 October 2026 at the invitation of ANIRA president Ammar Benjedda. The two bodies plan to conclude a partnership agreement, set up a joint working group to draft it and each appoint a permanent focal point.
According to their joint communique, the growth of digital platforms, satellite broadcasting and on-demand audiovisual services "raises major challenges for regulators", including conflicts of jurisdiction between states, differing laws and protecting the public from harmful or misleading content. Both sides called for "a concerted approach to cross-border regulation" that respects freedom of expression and opinion.
The agreement is to cover exchanges on media legislation, technical monitoring capacity, oversight of digital and multimedia content, the fight against false information, training for journalists and technicians, and closer ties between Nigerien and Algerian media. The two regulators also plan to coordinate in African forums and work towards a continental network of audiovisual regulators.
For the ONC, the talks come as Niger has adopted an ordinance regulating online media and digital platforms, amid a rise in false information, challenges linked to artificial intelligence and disinformation campaigns that the Alliance of Sahel States countries say they face, ANP said.
The Nigerien delegation was received by Algeria's communication minister, Mohamed Bouslami, and visited the APS news agency, the ENTV and ENRS public broadcasters, TDA and AL24 News. An ANIRA delegation is expected to visit Niamey "as soon as possible".
