- Niger aims to raise national electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026.
- Solar power capacity will reach 240 MW by 2030, including 50 MW by 2026.
Niger’s energy development is advancing with a new $144.7 million agreement between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Niger. The deal marks a significant step toward improving electricity access, boosting industrial productivity, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The agreement was signed at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan by President Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine. It highlights strong cooperation between both institutions and reinforces their shared goal of transforming Niger’s energy sector.
The funding, provided through the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional financing arm, will support Phase 1 of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC). The initiative aims to expand access to reliable power, attract private sector investment, and strengthen the country’s economic resilience.
Prime Minister Zeine described the deal as a defining moment for Niger. He noted that it arrives when energy shortages hinder growth and social progress. He said the programme will improve governance, stabilise the fiscal system, and open more inclusive opportunities for citizens.
Through PAGSEC, Niger plans to raise national electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026. It also intends to boost manufacturing’s share of GDP from 2.5% to 3.8%. Renewable energy will play a vital role in this transition. By 2030, the country targets 240 MW of solar power capacity, including 50 MW by December 2026.
Furthermore, the programme will enhance public financial management and increase tax revenue efficiency. It will also promote transparency, deepen dialogue between the public and private sectors, and support new industrial and trade policies. These reforms will help attract long-term investment and ensure stable economic growth.
Social inclusion remains central to the programme’s goals. Niger faces significant security and displacement challenges, with more than 507,000 internally displaced persons across the Sahel. The programme introduces measures to address this and support vulnerable populations, especially women and youth. It also promotes private investment in mini-grid projects to expand rural electrification.
With AfDB’s continued support, Niger’s energy development is expected to accelerate economic transformation. The partnership represents a firm commitment to building a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy future for Niger.