Niger

The World Bank estimates that agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 47.6% of GDP in 2025, industry (including construction) for 18.7% and services for 31.1%, so agriculture alone accounts for close to half of output. Estimate3 sourcesSources717273

According to the World Bank economic update of 12 June 2025, Niger's economy grew by 8.4% in 2024, up from 2% in 2023, fuelled by the start of large-scale oil exports and strong agricultural production helped by favourable weather. 53

The World Bank puts Niger's GDP at about US$21.6 billion in current US dollars in 2025. Estimate90

The World Bank estimates economic growth in 2026 at 7.0% (3.1% per capita), supported by oil production, agriculture, mining, investment and private consumption. Estimate35

The World Bank projects that agriculture will contribute 2.5 percentage points to growth, industry 1.9 points and services 2.4 points, with sustained oil production and recovering mining supporting industry, and favourable rainfall, fertiliser and irrigation supporting agriculture. Forecast41

The World Bank estimates inflation in 2026 at -1.9%, helping reduce poverty to 47.7%. The World Bank attributes the negative inflation to lower food prices following a favourable agricultural season. Estimate36

The World Bank estimates that exports of goods and services were 15.8% of GDP in 2025 and imports 18.1%, and that merchandise exports were US$1.9 billion. Estimate3 sourcesSources676891

The current account balance was -6.1% of GDP in 2024 and net inflows of foreign direct investment were US$358 million, according to the World Bank. 6984

The World Bank projects that the current account deficit will narrow to 4.5% of GDP in 2026, supported by higher oil, uranium and gold export values. Forecast39

The Council of Ministers document shows that the general State budget in the 2026 finance law (ordinance of 31 December 2025) stood, in revenue and in expenditure, at CFA francs 2,922.22 billion. 166

On 21 August 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted a draft ordinance amending the finance law, raising the revised general budget to CFA francs 2,980.54 billion, an increase of CFA francs 58.32 billion (2%). The document attributes the revision to additional defence and security needs, higher international crude oil prices, and a simplified tax regime to speed up recovery and develop the gold sector. Announced119120

The World Bank expects the fiscal deficit to widen to 3.4% of GDP in 2026 as spending rises on security, post-flood reconstruction and support to vulnerable households, then to narrow to 3.1% by 2028. Forecast38

The World Bank economic update (June 2025) stated that the IMF and the World Bank jointly downgraded Niger's debt sustainability risk rating from moderate to high. In its current overview the Bank says debt management has improved through bond-market reprofiling and arrears clearance. 4054

External debt stocks were 27.5% of gross national income in 2024, according to the World Bank. 85

The World Bank projects growth to average 6.4% in 2027-2028 as oil production stabilises and the economy moves from the initial oil-export boom toward a more diversified growth model. Forecast37

The facts above show an economy that jumped in 2024 thanks to oil and that international institutions then estimated at high growth, but that still depends on rain-fed agriculture and on the prices of two or three commodities, with public finances under pressure from security and debt. Sustained growth therefore depends on irrigation, electricity and diversification, not on oil alone. This is an analytical reading, not a fact. Analysis4 sourcesSources37415354

The World Bank estimates that consumer prices fell by 4.5% on an annual average in 2025, so inflation was negative. Estimate70

The website of the Central Bank of West African States states that Niger is among the member states of the West African Monetary Union, and that the Union is based on a single monetary unit, the CFA franc (F.CFA). 1920

The Government's official portal lists gold, iron, coal, uranium and petroleum as Niger's most important natural resources. 9

A report by the Agence Nigérienne de Presse on the Government's portal dated 13 August 2026 states that the Kafra block, subject of a production-sharing contract between the State of Niger and Sonatrach through its subsidiary Sipex, covers 23,737 square kilometres. 14

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse reported on the Government's portal on 7 October 2026, citing the Minister of Petroleum, that the installed capacity of the SORAZ refinery is 20,000 barrels per day, and that the petrol (super) deficit reached 196.62 million litres in the first eight months of 2026. 1516

The World Bank (modelled ILO estimate) puts employment in agriculture at 73.0% of total employment in 2025. Estimate83

Agricultural land was 36.8% of land area in 2023 and arable land 14.0%, according to the World Bank. 8182

The World Bank states that the Sahel Pastoralism Support Project (PRAPS) mobilised US$110 million, vaccinated over 42 million livestock and restored nearly 700,000 hectares of pastoral land. 44

The World Nuclear Association states that Niger's identified uranium resources in 2023 were about 336,000 tU, of which 273,100 tU reasonably assured and 62,800 tU inferred, and that cumulative production from 1945 to 2024 was 158,889 tU, ranking the country 9th globally. 167

According to the World Nuclear Association, uranium mine production fell from 2,020 tU in 2022 to 1,130 tU in 2023 and then 962 tU in 2024, of which 960 tU came from SOMAIR, while COMINAK and SOMINA produced nothing. 168

The World Nuclear Association states that uranium concentrates were traditionally trucked 1,600 km to Parakou in Benin and then railed 400 km to the port of Cotonou, and that this route has been unavailable since the Niger-Benin border closed in July 2023. 169

According to the World Nuclear Association, the authorities that took power after the July 2023 coup revoked Orano's mining permits at Imouraren and Arlit and GoviEx's at Madaouela, and nationalised SOMAIR. 170

The World Nuclear Association states that Orano announced in December 2024 that it had lost operational control of SOMAIR and began international arbitration in January 2025, that the government nationalised the company in June 2025, and that President Tiani announced on 30 November 2025 that Niger would place its uranium on the international market after Orano condemned a shipment from the site as illegal. 171172

The World Nuclear Association states that in May 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted draft decrees to annul the Arlit mining concession granted to France's CEA in 1968 and to create a new state company, Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO), in place of the nationalised SOMAIR. 173

On 21 August 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree granting TSUMCO the In Azaoua large-scale mining permit for uranium in the commune of Arlit, after the nationalisation of SOMAIR, to ensure the continuity of uranium mining in Niger. It is a draft text, not a permit in force. Announced121

On 21 August 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree re-granting the Madaouela I permit to Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO), whose undertakings include an initial flat royalty of US$10 million to the State and the creation of about 1,000 jobs for young Nigeriens. These are undertakings announced in a draft text. Announced122123

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse reported on 13 May 2026, citing the president of Global Atomic, that about 700 people work on the Dasa site, and that the project belongs to Société Minière de Dasa (SOMIDA), a partnership between the Republic of Niger and Global Atomic. 124125

Global Atomic said in August 2026, according to the World Nuclear Association, that plant commissioning and first production are scheduled for the second half of 2028 subject to financing, and that SOMIDA is 80% owned by the company and 20% by the state. This is a target, not existing production. Target175

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative states that Niger's mining sector is governed by the 2022 Mining Law and its oil and gas sector by the Petroleum Code, and that mining and petroleum contracts are disclosed on the ITIE Niger website. 113

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse states on the Government's portal that intensified exploration of the Agadem block enabled the country to join the oil exporters from 2024, after the Zinder refinery (SORAZ) was inaugurated in 2011. 132

Pipeline Technology Journal reported on 9 November 2023 that Niger's military leaders commissioned a 2,000-kilometre crude oil pipeline linking the Agadem oilfield to Benin's port of Seme, with an estimated US$6 billion investment, of which, according to the government, US$4 billion for the development of oil fields and US$2.3 billion for the pipeline. 221222

Hellenic Shipping News reported on 20 May 2024, citing sources and shipping data, that Niger's maiden crude cargo was set to load at Benin's Seme port, turning the landlocked country into an oil exporter, and that the pipeline has a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day. 224

Pipeline Technology Journal reported on 9 November 2023 that the official target was to raise oil production from 110,000 barrels per day to 200,000 barrels per day by 2026. It is a target stated in 2023; the page gives no outcome, and no figure for 2026 output is available in the sources consulted. Target223

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse reported on 13 August 2026 that the Kafra Sud-Est 1 well, carried out by ENAFOR, a subsidiary of Sonatrach, is the first drilling by an Algerian company in Niger and targets a depth of 3,900 metres, 85 km from the common border. 130

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse states that the reserves of the Kafra block are estimated at 260 million barrels, under a production-sharing contract between Sonatrach's subsidiary Sipex and the Nigerien authorities since 2015, renewed in 2022. It is an estimate, not proven reserves. Estimate131

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse reported on 7 October 2026, citing the Minister of Petroleum, that a gasoil deficit of 52.60 million litres appeared over the first eight months of 2026, after a positive balance of 9.44 million litres in 2025, and that imported products can cost more than SORAZ's domestic transfer price and so add pressure on the cash position of SONIDEP. 138139

Oil rents were 0.6% of GDP and mineral rents 0.8% in 2021, according to World Bank estimates, that is before oil exports began, so these figures do not reflect the weight of the two sectors today. Estimate9293

The facts show that uranium output has fallen sharply, that the traditional export route is interrupted, that permits have been withdrawn, that draft decrees would grant them to new companies, and that an international arbitration has been opened. Any interest in this sector therefore starts with tracking the legal status of permits, companies and buyers, then the logistics of export, before discussing prices or volumes. This is an analytical reading, not a fact. Analysis4 sourcesSources121168169171

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative states that in July 2020 Niger adopted a 15-year national mining policy which aims to diversify mining beyond uranium. 109

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative states that oil production began in 2011 and intensified after the expansion of the Agadem project by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and several discoveries by Sonatrach and Savannah Petroleum, and that the sector rests on the 2019 Petroleum Policy. 110

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse recalls that since 2008, through an agreement with the Chinese, Niger began exploiting its oil potential with exploration of the Agadem block in the north-east. 133

On 13 August 2026 the Prime Minister said that drilling campaigns planned over two years will refine the exportable reserves and that Niger will update the feasibility study with a view to rapid development of the deposits. These are stated aims, not results. Target134

According to the World Nuclear Association, the Akouta mine of COMINAK ceased production in March 2021 after more than 40 years of operation and 75,000 tU extracted. 174

The World Nuclear Association states that in mid-2026 the company and the Ministry of Mines were negotiating a new mining convention to frame a resumption of the Madaouela project. 176

The World Bank estimates that only 21.3% of the population had access to electricity in 2024. Estimate63

NIGELEC, in charge of electricity production, transport and distribution since 1952, says it produces more than 200 MW, serves more than 768,000 subscribers and more than 180 communes, has more than 74 agencies and operates two 132 kV transmission lines. 194195

The World Bank states that in June 2025 Niger adopted the Compact under the World Bank-African Development Bank Mission 300 initiative, committing to reach an electricity access rate of at least 60% by 2030, and that about 905,000 people gained access to electricity since January 2026. The goal is a stated commitment, not an achievement. Target43

The World Bank states that its partnership with Niger mobilises US$1.2 billion to finance one national and four regional projects, including the Kandadji Dam programme, aiming to provide electricity to more than 4.5 million people. It is a stated aim that depends on project delivery. Target42

The Agence Nigérienne de Presse reported on 30 June 2026 that the Prime Minister received a World Bank delegation which discussed the relaunch of the Kandadji programme, reviewing obstacles and proposed solutions, and that the Bank reaffirmed its commitment. The Bank official described the programme as a lever for food security, water management, energy production and agricultural and industrial development. 126127

On 13 August 2026 the Prime Minister recalled the commissioning in record time, in only 70 days, of the Algerian solidarity power plant at Gorou Banda in Niamey, with a capacity of 40 MW. 135

On 13 August 2026 the Prime Minister listed among cooperation projects with Algeria the construction of a 25 MW power plant in Agadez and the reinforcement of NIGELEC networks in Niamey and Agadez, alongside training for some 500 young Nigeriens. These are announced projects whose completion was not reported. Announced136

Under the WAPP North Backbone electrical interconnection project, a high-voltage substation is planned to ensure the transit, transformation and distribution of electricity in the country, and on 10 September 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree declaring public utility works for a military camp securing the Zabori-Gorou Banda substation. Announced145

The Nigerien and Algerian communications ministers launched on 6 October 2026 at Assamaka on the border the operation of the fibre-optic Trans-Saharan Backbone (DTS) linking the two countries, according to the Agence Nigérienne de Presse. 128

The project provides, according to the Nigerien minister, for fibre-optic deployment along the Trans-Saharan Road sections linking Algeria to the north, Nigeria to the south and Chad to the east, a national data centre, and reinforced links with Burkina Faso and Benin. Apart from the operation announced with Algeria, the other components are planned. Announced129

On 6 October 2026 the Prime Minister launched at Karey Gorou the works for a third drinking-water treatment plant for Niamey with additional capacity of 100,000 cubic metres per day, in 9 lots over a contractual duration of 30 months at a total cost of CFA francs 166 billion; the project also includes networks of 47,200 cubic metres capacity and 45,000 social connections for about 450,000 people. Announced214215

On 13 August 2026 the Prime Minister, in remarks on cooperation with Algeria, mentioned a loan combined with a grant of US$50 million, of which US$10 million in grants, to strengthen the Trans-Saharan road network. It is financing announced in a speech, not a published loan agreement. Announced137

The World Bank puts electric power consumption at about 67.7 kWh per capita in 2023. Estimate87

On 10 September 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted a draft ordinance on a new Civil Aviation Code, replacing ordinance no. 2010-023 of 14 May 2010. Announced146

The World Bank states that, as of September 2026, it is financing 23 operations in Niger (13 national projects and 10 regional projects) with total commitments of US$4.6 billion in grants and loans, concentrated in water, transport, energy and agriculture. 50

The IFC investment portfolio in Niger stands at US$56.8 million as of September 2026, mainly in the financial and infrastructure sectors, including long-term financing for Airtel Niger and BOA Niger. IFC is advising the government on structuring a public-private partnership for a 50 MW solar project. 5152

On 10 September 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted two draft decrees granting investment-code benefits to two companies: NIPHARMEDIC for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Niamey, which undertakes to invest more than CFA francs 22 billion and create 161 permanent jobs, and Les Entrepôts Bakabé for an industrial and logistics warehouse zone in the Tillabéri region, which undertakes to invest about CFA francs 11 billion and create 108 permanent jobs. These are company undertakings in two draft texts. Announced141142

On 10 September 2026 the Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree providing that uranate, petroleum, gold and other mining and petroleum products are subject to port and airport fees. Announced144

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative states that Niger does not yet have a beneficial ownership registry and does not disclose beneficial ownership information in its reports, and that its next Validation begins on 1 October 2026. 112114

Under the Petroleum Code (Article 146), 85% of oil and gas ad valorem royalties, fixed fees and surface royalties go to the State budget and 15% to the regions and communes hosting extractive activities for local development; mining revenues are distributed in the same way, according to the Transparency Initiative. 111

A government communiqué of 22 September 2026 states that the physical transport of funds above the maximum thresholds set by banking regulations requires a prior declaration under joint order no. 000428 establishing a special regime for the transport of funds, in order to combat terrorist financing and illicit financial flows. Announced140

The fact that the World Bank describes a narrow-based economy that remains heavily dependent on agriculture, and that an irrigation and crop-and-livestock intensification programme has been designed at about US$1 billion through 2036, with a first phase targeting 18,000 hectares of irrigated land, supports a closer look. To be examined: financing, fertiliser, security in production areas and climate effects. No return is guaranteed. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity3045

The fact that access to electricity remains low according to the World Bank, that the country has committed to at least 60% under Mission 300, and that IFC is helping the government structure a 50 MW solar project supports a closer look. To be examined: power purchase agreements, tariffs, grid connection and the national company's ability to pay. No return is guaranteed. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity4352

The fact that only 15.6% of the population uses the Internet and there are 60.6 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and that the fibre-optic Trans-Saharan Backbone includes a planned national data centre, supports a closer look. To be examined: connectivity prices, licences, the readiness of electricity supply and the data protection framework. No market share is guaranteed. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity3 sourcesSources6465129

The fact that only 53.4% of the population uses at least basic drinking water services, and that works have been launched on a third water plant for Niamey costing CFA francs 166 billion, supports a closer look. To be examined: funding sources, the 30-month schedule, water pricing and the operator's capacity. No return is guaranteed. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity76214

Before any economic meeting: identify the ministry concerned from the list of government members on the Government portal and check for any recent reshuffle, review the published Council of Ministers decisions on investment, mining and petroleum, read the regime for the transport of funds and the draft decree on port and airport fees, and ask about the security situation at the project site. This is an analytical checklist, not investment advice. Analysis5 sourcesSources34115117140144

The facts show that the border with Benin remains closed and that the uranium export route through Benin has been interrupted since 2023, that Niger has left ECOWAS, and that Niger is a member of the West African Monetary Union, which shares the CFA franc. Any trade or logistics partnership must therefore account for the border route, the currency and the regional organisation separately. This is an analytical reading, not a fact. Analysis5 sourcesSources1933105169227

The World Bank publishes a poverty rate based on an international line for a given survey year, and in its economic estimates it puts a lower rate for a later year; these are two measures with different years and methods that must not be put in one series. Likewise, ministers' figures carried by the official press differ in nature from statistics compiled by a statistics office. This is an analytical reading, not a fact. Analysis3 sourcesSources3655138