The African Development Bank Group and the government of Niger have signed a $144.7 million financing agreement to enhance energy access and private‑sector competitiveness. The deal, concluded at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, provides budgetary support from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional financing window, and will fund Phase 1 of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme. This transformative initiative aims to improve Niger’s energy sector.
Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, described the agreement as a significant step forward and a testament to the strong cooperation between Niger and the African Development Bank Group. The African Development Fund’s support is expected to raise national electricity access from 22.5 % to 30 % by 2026 and increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from 2.5 % to 3.8 %. The programme also emphasizes renewable energy, targeting 240 MW of solar capacity by 2030, including 50 MW to be installed by December 2026.
Beyond expanding energy access, the programme will strengthen public‑financial‑management systems, improve tax‑revenue mobilisation and control, and help clear domestic arrears. It will promote public‑private‑partnership dialogue and the adoption of an industrial and trade policy to bolster the private sector. Social inclusion is a priority, with dedicated support for internally displaced persons, women and young people. Given that over 507,000 people are internally displaced in Niger due to security challenges in the Sahel, the programme aims to cushion vulnerable communities through a social and economic inclusion component.
African Development Bank Group President Sidi Ould Tah affirmed that the Bank will continue to support its regional member states in their pursuit of harmonious development and shared prosperity. The signing of the agreement marks a major advance for Niger, expected to boost economic competitiveness, energy security and governance.
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