African Development Bank Group President Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine have recently signed a $144.7 million deal aimed at improving energy access and enhancing the competitiveness of Niger’s private sector.
The agreement was signed at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan and provides budgetary support from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional financing window. This funding will allow the Nigerien government to implement Phase 1 of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC).
Prime Minister Zeine described the agreement as a significant step for Niger, highlighting the strong cooperation between his government and the African Development Bank Group.
He noted that the Bank’s support comes at a crucial time and that the programme is designed to strengthen Niger’s economic competitiveness and resilience by improving energy access, promoting private sector development, consolidating the fiscal framework, and ensuring that public policies better address the needs of vulnerable groups.
The programme is expected to increase national electricity access from 22.5 percent to 30 percent by 2026 and boost the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from 2.5 percent to 3.8 percent. Renewable energy development is a central focus, with plans to achieve 240 MW of solar power capacity by 2030, including 50 MW by December 2026.
Beyond energy, the programme will strengthen public financial management systems, enhance tax revenue mobilization and control, support the clearance of domestic arrears, and encourage dialogue between the public and private sectors. It will also promote the adoption of industrial and trade policies that enhance the private sector’s role in the economy.
Social inclusion is another key priority. With more than 507,000 internally displaced people in the Sahel region due to security challenges, PAGSEC includes measures to support vulnerable communities, including women and youth, through social and economic inclusion programmes. High-level coordination mechanisms will be established, and national energy policies will be updated to create a more favorable environment for private sector participation in mini-grid projects, which are essential for rural electrification.
President Ould Tah emphasized the Bank’s continued commitment to supporting regional member states in achieving inclusive and sustainable development. He also acknowledged the work of the Bank’s teams and the support of its Board of Directors in bringing the programme to fruition. Through this initiative, Niger is expected to capitalize on its renewable energy potential while building strong governance systems that support long-term development. The African Development Bank Group remains dedicated to advancing Niger’s transformation through strategic investments that promote energy security, economic competitiveness, and good governance.
