The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $144.7 million financing package for Niger to expand energy access, spur industrial growth, and strengthen inclusive development. The deal, signed in Abidjan by AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, marks the launch of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC).
The initiative aims to raise electricity coverage from 22.5% to 30% by 2026 and increase the manufacturing sector’s GDP contribution from 2.5% to 3.8%. It will also develop 240 MW of solar energy by 2030, with 50 MW expected online by 2026, attracting private investment in rural electrification.
Beyond energy, PAGSEC will improve fiscal governance, enhance tax revenue systems, and foster dialogue between government and private sectors to stimulate competitiveness. Prime Minister Zeine praised the agreement as a “milestone in Niger’s economic transformation,” highlighting its role in boosting resilience and supporting vulnerable populations.
A strong focus on social inclusion will ensure targeted support for displaced persons, women, and youth affected by insecurity in the Sahel. The AfDB reaffirmed its long-term partnership with Niger, pledging continued support for initiatives that promote sustainable energy, job creation, and equitable growth across the nation.
