The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Government of Niger have signed a $144.7 million financing agreement aimed at expanding energy access, strengthening private sector competitiveness, and improving economic resilience, according to a statement from the Bank.
The agreement was signed at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan by Bank President Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine. The financing, provided through the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional arm, will support Phase 1 of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC).
Under the initiative, national electricity access is expected to rise from 22.5% to 30% by 2026, while the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP is projected to increase from 2.5% to 3.8%, the AfDB said.
A major component of the programme focuses on renewable energy, with plans to develop 240 megawatts of solar power capacity by 2030, including 50 megawatts by December 2026.
Prime Minister Zeine, who also serves as Minister of Economy and Finance and Governor of the Bank Group for Niger, said the support “comes at an important time” and will strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness and resilience by improving access to energy, promoting private sector growth, consolidating fiscal frameworks, and protecting vulnerable groups.
Beyond the energy sector, the programme will enhance public financial management systems, boost domestic revenue mobilisation, clear domestic arrears, and promote public-private partnerships. It also aims to update national energy policies and improve coordination for mini-grid development, which is crucial for rural electrification.
AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to Niger’s development, saying: “The African Development Bank Group will remain a strong supporter of all our member states in their pursuit of harmonious development and shared prosperity.”
The PAGSEC programme places a strong emphasis on social inclusion, with targeted support for internally displaced persons, women, and young people. Niger currently hosts more than 507,000 internally displaced people affected by insecurity in the Sahel region.
Through this initiative, Niger aims to leverage its renewable energy potential, strengthen governance, and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
