The Luxembourg government, through the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) project, is tackling the information and technology gap in Africa's risky Sahel region by providing critical digital services, training opportunities, and resources to over 3,650 users, with a focus on host communities, refugees, and youth aged 18 to 34.

Burkina Faso and Niger are the first to benefit from the ETC project.

ETC is a global network of organisations that work together to provide shared communications services in humanitarian emergencies.

The network, with the support of Luxembourg, a long-term partner and donor, will work to close the information and technology gaps faced by communities in the region by providing tailored ICT services that will allow them to gain access to lifesaving information, connect to the world, and develop their digital skills. 

According to research, in the Central Sahel region, where more than 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, there are significant disparities in access to essential social services, including information and communications technology services.

"Within a broader context of increasing climate change vulnerability, chronic food insecurity, and intensifying violence, not being able to access information and connect to the rest of the world is leaving communities in the Sahel vulnerable and trapped in a perpetual cycle of poverty," the ETC said.