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The Government of Niger has signed a USD 144.7 million financing agreement with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) to expand energy access and enhance private sector competitiveness, marking a key milestone in the country’s efforts to leverage its natural resources for sustainable economic growth.
Signed at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan, the agreement provides budgetary support through the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional lending arm. The funds will support the first phase of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC)—a flagship initiative to modernize Niger’s energy sector and strengthen its economic resilience.
Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, who also serves as Minister of Economy and Finance and Niger’s Governor to the AfDB, hailed the agreement as a significant step forward in the nation’s partnership with the Bank.
“This agreement is vital for Niger and reflects the strength of our cooperation with the African Development Bank,” said Prime Minister Zeine. “It will be instrumental in enhancing competitiveness and economic stability.”
PAGSEC aims to increase electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026 and raise the manufacturing sector’s GDP contribution from 2.5% to 3.8%. A key focus is the development of renewable energy, including the installation of 240 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity by 2030—50 MW of which is targeted by the end of 2026.
The initiative is expected to reduce Niger’s reliance on imported electricity, boost energy security, and drive rural electrification through private-sector-led mini-grid projects. Despite ongoing security and climate challenges, Niger remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the Sahel. The government is pursuing economic diversification by adding value to its rich reserves of uranium, gold, and oil, while investing in renewable energy to power local industries.
The programme also supports this broader transformation agenda by strengthening governance, improving tax mobilization, and attracting private investment into energy and manufacturing. AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah reaffirmed the Bank’s enduring support for Niger and other regional member states:
“The African Development Bank will continue to stand firmly with our regional members in their journey toward inclusive and sustainable development,” he stated, expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Bank’s teams and its Board of Directors.
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In addition to infrastructure development, PAGSEC emphasizes social inclusion—particularly targeting women, youth, and over 507,000 internally displaced persons affected by insecurity in the Sahel. It also includes reforms to modernize national energy policies and create high-level coordination platforms to attract private investment in renewable infrastructure.
By strengthening energy governance and tapping into Niger’s renewable energy potential, the programme aims to advance inclusive, sustainable development and reinforce the AfDB’s role in supporting Niger’s reform-driven growth agenda.
