View source for Economy of Niger

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{{Infobox economy
|country         = Niger
|image           ="Petit_Marché"_at_Niamey.jpg
|caption         = Petit Marché in [[Niamey]]
|currency        = [[West African CFA franc]] (XOF)
|fixed exchange  = {{€|1|link=yes}} = 655.957 XOF
|year            =
|organs          = [[African Union|AU]], [[African Continental Free Trade Agreement|AfCFTA]], [[Economic Community of West African States|ECOWAS]], [[Community of Sahel–Saharan States|CEN-SAD]], [[World Trade Organization|WTO]]
|group           =
*[[Least developed countries|Least Developed]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weoselco.aspx?g=2200&sg=All+countries+%2f+Emerging+market+and+developing+economies |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023
|publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org 
|access-date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010203013/https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weoselco.aspx?g=2200&sg=All+countries+%2F+Emerging+market+and+developing+economies |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Least Developed Countries|Low-income economy]]<ref>{{cite web |title=World Bank Country and Lending Groups |url=https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups
|website=datahelpdesk.worldbank.org |publisher=The World Bank |access-date=22 December 2024}}</ref>
| gdp = {{plainlist|
* {{increase}} $21.87 Billion ([[GDP (nominal)|nominal]]; {{abbr|2025|2025 forecast}})<ref name="IMF DataMapper">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/profile/NER |title=IMF DataMapper: Niger |website=[[International Monetary Fund]] |date=22 October 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>
* {{increase}} $61.04 Billion ([[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]; {{abbr|2025f|2024 forecast}})<ref name="IMF DataMapper"/> 
}}
| gdp rank = {{plainlist|
* [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|125th (nominal; 2025)]]
* [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|128th (PPP; 2025)]]
}}
| growth = {{plainlist|   
* {{Increase}} 11.9%&nbsp;(2022)<ref name="IMF DataMapper" />
* {{Increase}} 2.4%&nbsp;(2023)<ref name="IMF DataMapper" />
* {{Increase}} 10.3%&nbsp;({{abbr|2024f|2024 forecast}})<ref name="IMF DataMapper" />
* {{Increase}} 6.6%&nbsp;({{abbr|2025f|2025 forecast}})<ref name="IMF DataMapper" />
}}
| per capita = {{plainlist|
* {{increase}} $751 (nominal; {{abbr|2025|2025 forecast}})<ref name="IMF DataMapper"/>
* {{increase}} $2,100 (PPP; {{abbr|2025|2025 forecast}})<ref name="IMF DataMapper"/> 
}}
| per capita rank = {{plainlist|
* [[List of countries by GDP per capita (nominal)|178th (nominal; 2025)]]
* [[List of countries by GDP per capita (PPP)|176th (PPP; 2025)]]
}}
|components      =
|inflation       = 7.829% (2024)<ref name="IMFWEONE">{{cite web |title=World Economic Outlook Database |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/October/weo-report?c=692,&s=NGDP_R,NGDP_RPCH,NGDP,NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDP_D,NGDPRPC,NGDPRPPPPC,NGDPPC,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,PPPSH,PPPEX,NID_NGDP,NGSD_NGDP,PCPI,PCPIPCH,PCPIE,PCPIEPCH,TM_RPCH,TMG_RPCH,TX_RPCH,TXG_RPCH,LP,GGR,GGR_NGDP,GGX,GGX_NGDP,GGXCNL,GGXCNL_NGDP,GGXONLB,GGXONLB_NGDP,GGXWDN,GGXWDN_NGDP,GGXWDG,GGXWDG_NGDP,NGDP_FY,BCA,BCA_NGDPD,&sy=2022&ey=2024&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |website=IMF.org |publisher=International Monetary Fund}}</ref>
|poverty         = {{plainlist|
*44.5% (2014)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.NAHC?locations=NE |title=Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines (% of population) - Niger |publisher=World Bank |website=data.worldbank.org |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129173405/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.NAHC?locations=NE |url-status=live }}</ref>
*44.5% on less than $1.90/day (2014)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.DDAY?locations=NE |title=Poverty headcount ratio at $1.90 a day (2011 PPP) (% of population) - Niger |publisher=World Bank |website=data.worldbank.org |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228185314/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.DDAY%3Flocations%3DNE |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
|gini            = 34.3 {{color|darkorange|medium}} (2014)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=NE |title=GINI index (World Bank estimate) - Niger |publisher=World Bank |website=data.worldbank.org |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731094643/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=NE |url-status=live }}</ref>
|hdi             = {{plainlist|
*{{increase}} 0.394 {{color|red|low}} (2022)<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/indicators/137506 |title=Human Development Index (HDI) |publisher=[[Human Development Report|HDRO (Human Development Report Office)]] [[United Nations Development Programme]] |journal=Human Development Reports |access-date=9 September 2022 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319173759/http://hdr.undp.org/en/indicators/137506 |url-status=live }}</ref> ([[List of countries by Human Development Index|189th]])
*0.272 [[List of countries by inequality-adjusted HDI|IHDI]] (2018)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/table-3-inequality-adjusted-human-development-index-ihdi |title=Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) |publisher=[[Human Development Report|HDRO (Human Development Report Office)]] [[United Nations Development Programme]] |website=hdr.undp.org |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212055527/http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/table-3-inequality-adjusted-human-development-index-ihdi |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}
|labor           = {{increase}} 9,198,681 (2019)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.TLF.TOTL.IN?locations=NE |title=Labor force, total - Niger |publisher=World Bank |website=data.worldbank.org |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801040206/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.TLF.TOTL.IN?locations=NE |url-status=live }}</ref>
|occupations     = {{plainlist|
*Agriculture: 87%
*Industry: 4%
*Services: 9%
(2016)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |title=Niger |publisher=The World Factbook |access-date=2018-05-07 |archive-date=2021-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330032003/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
|unemployment    = 0.55% (2023 est.)<ref name="CIA World Factbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/#economy |title=Niger |publisher=The World Factbook |access-date=2018-05-07 |archive-date=2021-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330032003/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|industries      = [[Uranium mining]], [[petroleum]], [[cement]], [[brick]], [[soap]], [[textiles]], [[food processing]], [[chemicals]], [[slaughterhouse]]s<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>
|exports         = $1.376 billion (2022 est.)<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>
|export-partners = {{plainlist|
*{{flag|UAE}} 69%
*{{flag|France}} 9%
*{{flag|China}} 9%
*{{flag|Nigeria}} 3%
*{{flag|Mali}} 2%
*(2022)<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>}}
|imports         = $2.194 billion (2017. est)
|import-partners = {{plainlist|
*{{flag|China}} 22%
*{{flag|France}} 14%
*{{flag|Nigeria}} 8%
*{{flag|Germany}} 5%
*{{flag|UAE}} 5%
*(2022)<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>}}
|FDI             =
|gross external debt = $3.688 billion (2022 est.)<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>
|debt            =
|revenue         = $1.68 billion (2017. est)<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>
|expenses        = $2.235 billion (2017 est.)<ref name="CIA World Factbook"/>
|aid             =
|credit          =
|reserves        =
|spelling        =
}}
The '''[[gross domestic product]] (GDP) of [[Niger]]''' was $16.617 billion US dollars in 2023, according to official data from the World Bank. This data is based largely on internal markets, subsistence agriculture, and the export of raw commodities: foodstuffs to neighbors and raw minerals to world markets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Niger GDP |url=https://www.worldbank.org/ |website=World Bank Group |access-date=2022-07-05 |archive-date=2015-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916182540/http://www.worldbank.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Niger, a landlocked [[West Africa]]n nation that straddles the [[Sahel]], has consistently been ranked on the bottom of the [[Human Development Index]], at 0.394 as of 2019. It has a very low per capita income, and ranks among the [[Least Developed Countries|least developed]] and [[Heavily indebted poor countries|most heavily indebted]] countries in the world, despite having large raw commodities and a relatively stable government and society not currently affected by civil war or terrorism. Economic activity centers on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, re-export trade, and export of [[uranium]].

The 50% devaluation of the [[West African CFA franc]] in January 1994 boosted exports of [[livestock]], [[cowpea]]s, [[onion]]s, and the products of Niger's small [[cotton]] industry. Exports of cattle to neighboring [[Nigeria]], as well as [[Bambara groundnut|groundnuts]] and oil remain the primary non-mineral exports. The government relies on bilateral and multilateral aid – which was suspended briefly following coups in 1996 and 1999 – for operating expenses and public investment. Short-term prospects depend on continued [[World Bank]] and [[IMF]] [[debt relief]] and extended aid. The post-1999 government has broadly adhered to privatization and market deregulation plans instituted by these funders. Niger is a least developed country according to the [[United Nations]].

==Overall==
[[File:Niger econ 1969.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Economic map of Niger (1969). Peanut cultivation areas in purple, Rice in green, The remainder of agricultural land in orange. The northern limits of seasonal livestock forage is in brown.]]

Niger's economy is based largely on [[subsistence crop]]s, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. [[Drought]] cycles, [[desertification]], a 3.4% population growth rate and the drop in world demand for uranium have undercut an already marginal economy. Traditional subsistence farming, herding, small trading, and informal markets dominate an economy that generates few formal sector jobs. Between 1988 and 1995 28% to 30% of the total economy of Niger was in the unregulated [[informal sector]], including small and even large scale rural and urban production, transport and services.<ref>C. Maldonado & J. Gasarian. [http://www.oit.org/public/french/employment/ent/papers/niger.htm SECTEUR INFORMEL: FONCTIONS MACRO-ECONOMIQUES ET POLITIQUES GOUVERNEMENTALES: LE CAS DU NIGER] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928125815/http://www.oit.org/public/french/employment/ent/papers/niger.htm |date=2011-09-28 }}. Document de recherche S-INF-1-20. Département du développement des entreprises et des coopératives, Organisation internationale du Travail – OIT (1998).</ref>

==GDP per capita==
The GDP per capita<ref>[http://earthtrends.wri.org/text/economics-business/variable-638.html earthtrends.wri.org] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131140920/http://earthtrends.wri.org/text/economics-business/variable-638.html |date=January 31, 2008 }}</ref> of Niger grew 10% in the 1960s. However, this proved unsustainable and it consequently shrank by 27% in the 1980s and a further 48% in the 1990s. Much of this GDP is explained through the exploitation of uranium at [[Arlit]] in the far north of the country. Ore is partially processed on site by foreign mining corporations and transported by truck to [[Benin]]. Fluctuation of GDP can be mapped to changes in international uranium prices, as well as price negotiations with the main mining company, France's [[Orano Cycle]]. Price rises in the mid-1970s were followed by a collapse in the market price through much of the 1980s and 1990s. Thus the country's GDP per capita has little direct impact on the average Nigerien, although uranium funds much government operation. The 2006 [[Human Development Index]] ranked Niger sixth from worst in the world, with a HDI of 0.370: [[List of countries by Human Development Index|174 of 179]] nations.<ref>[http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_20072008_EN_Complete.pdf Human Development Report 2007/2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429033726/http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_20072008_EN_Complete.pdf |date=2011-04-29 }}. United Nations Development Program.</ref>

==External trade and investment==
[[Image:2006Niger exports.PNG|thumb|left|300px|Niger's exports in 2006]]
Of Niger's exports, foreign exchange earnings from livestock, although impossible to quantify, are second only to those from uranium. Actual exports far exceed official statistics, which often fail to detect large herds of animals informally crossing into Nigeria. Some hides and skins are exported and some are transformed into handicrafts.

===Mining===
{{main|Mining in Niger}}
The persistent uranium price slump has brought lower revenues for Niger's uranium sector. Uranium no longer provides the majority of national export proceeds. The nation enjoyed substantial export earnings and rapid economic growth during the 1960s and 1970s after the opening of two large uranium mines near the northern town of [[Arlit]]. When the uranium-led boom ended in the early 1980s, however, the economy stagnated and new investment since then has been limited. Niger's two uranium mines ([[SOMAIR]]'s open pit mine and [[COMINAK]]'s underground mine) are owned by a French-led consortium and operated by French interests.
[[Image:MineArlit1.jpg|thumb|right|The open pit [[COMINAK]] [[uranium]] mine at [[Arlit]].]]

Exploitable deposits of gold are known to exist in Niger in the region between the [[Niger River]] and the border with [[Burkina Faso]]. Substantial deposits of [[phosphate]]s, [[coal]], [[Iron ore|iron]], [[limestone]], and [[gypsum]] have also been found. Numerous foreign companies, including American firms, have taken out exploration licenses for concessions in the gold seam in western Niger, which also contains deposits of other minerals.

Several oil companies explored for petroleum since 1992 in the Djado plateau in north-eastern Niger and the Agadem basin, north of Lake Chad but made no discoveries worth developing at the time. In June 2007, however, [[China National Petroleum Corporation]] (state-owned by the People's Republic of China) signed a [[United States dollar|US$]]5 billion agreement to extract oil in the Agadem block, as well as build a {{convert|20000|oilbbl|m3}} per day [[oil refinery]] and a 2,000&nbsp;km [[Pipeline transport|oil pipeline]] in the country; production is expected to start in 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Niger set to become oil producer |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7434092.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2007-06-03 |access-date=2008-06-07 |archive-date=2008-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731025642/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7434092.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Niger's known coal reserves, with low energy and high ash content, cannot compete against higher quality coal on the world market. However, the parastatal SONICHAR ([[Société nigérienne de charbon]]) in [[Tchirozerine]] (north of [[Agadez]]) extracts coal from an open pit and fuels an electricity generating plant that supplies energy to the uranium mines.
[[Image:Niger 2008 oilrig.jpg|thumb|right|A test [[Oil well]] in the [[Tenere Desert]], January 2008.]]

==Economic growth==
After the economic competitiveness created by the January 1994 CFA franc [[devaluation]] contributed to an annual average economic growth of 3.5% throughout the mid-1990s, the economy stagnated due to the sharp reduction in foreign aid in 1999, which gradually resumed in 2000, and poor rains in 2000. Reflecting the importance of the agricultural sector, the return of good rains was the primary factor underlying a projected growth of 4.5% for 2001.

==Foreign investment==
In recent years, the [[politics of Niger|Government of Niger]] promulgated revisions to the investment code (1997 and 2000), petroleum code (1992), and mining code (1993), all with attractive terms for investors. The present government actively seeks foreign private investment and considers it key to restoring economic growth and development. With the assistance of the [[United Nations Development Programme]] (UNDP), it has undertaken a concerted effort to revitalize the sector.

==Currency==
Niger shares a common currency, the [[CFA franc]], and a common central bank, the [[Central Bank of West African States]] (BCEAO), with six other members of the [[West African Monetary Union]]. The [[Treasury of the Government of France]] supplements the BCEAO's international reserves in order to maintain a fixed rate of 100 CFA ([[Communauté Financière Africaine]]) to the French franc (to the [[euro]] as of January 1, 2002).

==Government restructuring==
In January 2000, Niger's newly elected government inherited serious financial and economic problems including a virtually empty treasury, past-due salaries (11 months of arrears) and scholarship payments, increased debt, reduced revenue performance, and lower public investment. In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the [[International Monetary Fund]] program for [[Highly Indebted Poor Countries]] and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a [[Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility]] (PRGF).

In addition to changes in the budgetary process and public finances, the new government has pursued economic restructuring towards the IMF promoted [[privatization]] model. This has included the privatization of water distribution and telecommunications and the removal of price protections for petroleum products, allowing prices to be set by world market prices. Further privatizations of public enterprises are in the works. In its effort to comply with the IMF's [[Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility]] plan, the government is also taking action to reduce corruption and, as the result of a participatory process encompassing civil society, has devised a [[Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan]] that focuses on improving [[Health care in Niger|health]], [[Education in Niger|primary education]], rural infrastructure, and [[Judiciary of Niger|judicial]] restructuring.

===Foreign aid===
{{Update section|date=September 2024}}
The most important donors in Niger are [[France]], the [[European Union]], the [[World Bank]], the IMF and other United Nations agencies ([[UNDP]], [[UNICEF]], [[FAO]], [[WFP]], [[NGOs]], and [[UNFPA]]). Other principal donors include the [[United States]], [[Belgium]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[Canada]], and [[Saudi Arabia]].  [[USAID]] does not have an office in Niger, the United States contributes nearly $10 million each year to Niger's development. The US is also a major partner in policy coordination in such areas as food security and [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]].  The importance of external support for Niger's development is demonstrated by the fact that some 45% of the government's FY 2002 budget, including 80% of its capital budget, derives from donor resources.

In 2005 the UN drew attention to the increased need for foreign aid given severe problems with [[drought]] and [[locusts]] resulting in a [[famine]] endangering the lives of around a million people.

==Macro-economic trend==
[[File:GDP per capita development of Niger.svg|thumb|Historical development of real GDP per capita in Niger, since 1950]]
The following table shows the main economic indicators in 1980–2020 (with IMF staff estimates in 2021–2026).<ref>{{Cite web|title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2021|url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2021/April|access-date=2022-02-26|website=IMF|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407050829/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2021/April|url-status=live}}</ref> Inflation below 5% is in green. The annual unemployment rate is extracted from the [[World Bank]], although the [[International Monetary Fund]] finds these figures unreliable. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) - Niger {{!}} Data|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS?locations=NE|access-date=2022-02-26|website=data.worldbank.org}}</ref>
;1980-2000
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!Year
!GDP
<small>(in bil. US$PPP)</small>
!GDP per capita
<small>(in US$ PPP)</small>
!GDP
<small>(in bil. US$nominal)</small>
!GDP per capita
<small>(in US$ nominal)</small>
!GDP growth
<small>(real)</small>
!Inflation rate
<small>(in percent)</small>
!Unemployment<ref name=":0" />
<small>(in percent)</small>
!Government debt
<small>(in % of GDP)</small>
|-
|1980
|4.1
|704.0
|3.5
|609.4
|{{Increase}}4.9%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}7.3%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1981
|{{Increase}}4.5
|{{Increase}}743.8
|{{Decrease}}3.1
|{{Decrease}}510.0
|{{Decrease}}-0.2%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}24.3%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1982
|{{Increase}}4.8
|{{Increase}}779.9
|{{Decrease}}2.8
|{{Decrease}}458.1
|{{Increase}}2.2%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}10.4%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1983
|{{Steady}}4.8
|{{Decrease}}753.0
|{{Decrease}}2.5
|{{Decrease}}395.7
|{{Decrease}}-3.9%
|{{Increase}}1.6%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1984
|{{Decrease}}4.2
|{{Decrease}}627.5
|{{Decrease}}2.1
|{{Decrease}}310.0
|{{Decrease}}-16.8%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}8.4%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1985
|{{Increase}}4.6
|{{Increase}}674.9
|{{Decrease}}2.0
|{{Decrease}}295.8
|{{Increase}}7.7%
|{{Increase}}-1.1%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1986
|{{Increase}}5.0
|{{Increase}}709.2
|{{Increase}}2.7
|{{Increase}}378.7
|{{Increase}}6.4%
|{{Increase}}-3.2%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1987
|{{Increase}}5.1
|{{Decrease}}704.8
|{{Increase}}3.1
|{{Increase}}430.4
|{{Increase}}0.1%
|{{Increase}}-6.6%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1988
|{{Increase}}5.7
|{{Increase}}755.9
|{{Increase}}3.2
|{{Decrease}}426.0
|{{Increase}}6.9%
|{{Increase}}0.6%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1989
|{{Increase}}6.0
|{{Increase}}768.7
|{{Decrease}}3.1
|{{Decrease}}394.7
|{{Increase}}1.0%
|{{Increase}}-0.8%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1990
|{{Increase}}6.1
|{{Decrease}}762.9
|{{Increase}}3.5
|{{Increase}}435.3
|{{Decrease}}-1.3%
|{{Increase}}-2.0%
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|1991
|{{Increase}}6.3
|{{Decrease}}760.2
|{{Decrease}}3.3
|{{Decrease}}394.9
|{{Decrease}}-0.4%
|{{Increase}}1.5%
|1.4%
|n/a
|-
|1992
|{{Increase}}6.6
|{{Increase}}767.0
|{{Increase}}3.4
|{{Decrease}}393.7
|{{Increase}}2.0%
|{{Increase}}-5.9%
|{{Steady}}1.4%
|n/a
|-
|1993
|{{Increase}}6.7
|{{Decrease}}761.3
|{{Decrease}}3.0
|{{Decrease}}343.2
|{{Increase}}0.3%
|{{Increase}}-0.3%
|{{Steady}}1.4%
|n/a
|-
|1994
|{{Increase}}7.0
|{{Increase}}765.2
|{{Decrease}}1.9
|{{Decrease}}211.0
|{{Increase}}1.9%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}35.5%
|{{Steady}}1.4%
|n/a
|-
|1995
|{{Increase}}7.3
|{{Increase}}773.5
|{{Increase}}2.3
|{{Increase}}242.0
|{{Increase}}2.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}10.9%
|{{Steady}}1.4%
|69.4%
|-
|1996
|{{Increase}}7.5
|{{Decrease}}761.5
|{{Increase}}2.4
|{{Increase}}244.0
|{{Increase}}0.1%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}5.3%
|{{Steady}}1.4%
|{{DecreasePositive}}63.5%
|-
|1997
|{{Increase}}7.7
|{{Decrease}}759.3
|{{Decrease}}2.3
|{{Decrease}}224.5
|{{Increase}}1.5%
|{{Increase}}2.9%
|{{Steady}}1.4%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}69.1%
|-
|1998
|{{Increase}}8.6
|{{Increase}}815.0
|{{Increase}}2.6
|{{Increase}}250.2
|{{Increase}}10.0%
|{{Increase}}4.6%
|{{Steady}}1.4%
|{{DecreasePositive}}61.3%
|-
|1999
|{{Increase}}8.7
|{{Decrease}}795.9
|{{Decrease}}2.5
|{{Decrease}}231.7
|{{Decrease}}-0.2%
|{{Increase}}-2.1%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}1.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}63.3%
|-
|2000
|{{Increase}}8.8
|{{Decrease}}775.4
|{{Decrease}}2.2
|{{Decrease}}197.3
|{{Decrease}}-1.2%
|{{Increase}}2.7%
|{{Steady}}1.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}82.1%
|}

;2001 onward
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!Year
!GDP
<small>(in bil. US$PPP)</small>
!GDP per capita
<small>(in US$ PPP)</small>
!GDP
<small>(in bil. US$nominal)</small>
!GDP per capita
<small>(in US$ nominal)</small>
!GDP growth
<small>(real)</small>
!Inflation rate
<small>(in percent)</small>
!Unemployment<ref name=":0" />
<small>(in percent)</small>
!Government debt
<small>(in % of GDP)</small>
|-
|2001
|{{Increase}}9.6
|{{Increase}}819.6
|{{Increase}}2.4
|{{Increase}}207.8
|{{Increase}}7.3%
|{{Increase}}3.9%
|{{Steady}}1.5%
|{{DecreasePositive}}74.0%
|-
|2002
|{{Increase}}10.3
|{{Increase}}842.1
|{{Increase}}2.8
|{{Increase}}227.4
|{{Increase}}4.9%
|{{Increase}}2.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}1.9%
|{{DecreasePositive}}69.0%
|-
|2003
|{{Increase}}10.7
|{{Increase}}844.8
|{{Increase}}3.4
|{{Increase}}267.4
|{{Increase}}2.2%
|{{Increase}}-1.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}2.3%
|{{DecreasePositive}}60.6%
|-
|2004
|{{Increase}}11.0
|{{Decrease}}838.9
|{{Increase}}3.7
|{{Increase}}285.4
|{{Increase}}0.4%
|{{Increase}}0.2%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}2.7%
|{{DecreasePositive}}55.1%
|-
|2005
|{{Increase}}12.2
|{{Increase}}894.5
|{{Increase}}4.4
|{{Increase}}320.9
|{{Increase}}7.3%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}7.8%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}3.1%
|{{DecreasePositive}}49.5%
|-
|2006
|{{Increase}}13.3
|{{Increase}}940.4
|{{Increase}}4.7
|{{Increase}}335.3
|{{Increase}}5.9%
|{{Increase}}0.0%
|{{DecreasePositive}}2.6%
|{{DecreasePositive}}18.3%
|-
|2007
|{{Increase}}14.1
|{{Increase}}959.3
|{{Increase}}5.7
|{{Increase}}389.3
|{{Increase}}3.1%
|{{Increase}}0.1%
|{{DecreasePositive}}2.2%
|{{DecreasePositive}}17.8%
|-
|2008
|{{Increase}}15.5
|{{Increase}}1,014.5
|{{Increase}}7.3
|{{Increase}}477.3
|{{Increase}}7.7%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}11.3%
|{{DecreasePositive}}1.7%
|{{DecreasePositive}}14.2%
|-
|2009
|{{Increase}}15.9
|{{Decrease}}1,003.4
|{{Steady}}7.3
|{{Decrease}}462.3
|{{Increase}}2.0%
|{{Increase}}0.5%
|{{DecreasePositive}}1.3%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}15.9%
|-
|2010
|{{Increase}}17.5
|{{Increase}}1,060.6
|{{Increase}}7.8
|{{Increase}}476.1
|{{Increase}}8.6%
|{{Increase}}0.9%
|{{DecreasePositive}}0.8%
|{{DecreasePositive}}15.1%
|-
|2011
|{{Increase}}18.2
|{{Increase}}1,066.1
|{{Increase}}8.8
|{{Increase}}511.5
|{{Increase}}2.4%
|{{Increase}}2.9%
|{{DecreasePositive}}0.3%
|{{DecreasePositive}}14.7%
|-
|2012
|{{Increase}}20.6
|{{Increase}}1,156.1
|{{Increase}}9.4
|{{Increase}}528.9
|{{Increase}}10.5%
|{{Increase}}0.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}2.2%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}18.1%
|-
|2013
|{{Increase}}20.8
|{{Decrease}}1,125.3
|{{Increase}}10.2
|{{Increase}}551.6
|{{Increase}}5.3%
|{{Increase}}2.3%
|{{DecreasePositive}}1.4%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}19.6%
|-
|2014
|{{Increase}}21.9
|{{Increase}}1,138.8
|{{Increase}}10.8
|{{Increase}}562.9
|{{Increase}}6.6%
|{{Increase}}-0.9%
|{{DecreasePositive}}0.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}22.1%
|-
|2015
|{{Increase}}22.9
|{{Increase}}1,145.2
|{{Decrease}}9.7
|{{Decrease}}484.2
|{{Increase}}4.4%
|{{Increase}}1.0%
|{{Steady}}0.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}29.9%
|-
|2016
|{{Increase}}23.9
|{{Increase}}1,148.3
|{{Increase}}10.4
|{{Increase}}497.9
|{{Increase}}5.7%
|{{Increase}}0.2%
|{{Steady}}0.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}32.8%
|-
|2017
|{{Increase}}25.1
|{{Increase}}1,163.6
|{{Increase}}11.2
|{{Increase}}517.8
|{{Increase}}5.0%
|{{Increase}}0.2%
|{{Steady}}0.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}36.5%
|-
|2018
|{{Increase}}27.6
|{{Increase}}1,229.6
|{{Increase}}12.9
|{{Increase}}572.6
|{{Increase}}7.2%
|{{Increase}}2.8%
|{{Steady}}0.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}36.9%
|-
|2019
|{{Increase}}29.7
|{{Increase}}1,276.1
|{{Steady}}12.9
|{{Decrease}}553.9
|{{Increase}}5.9%
|{{Increase}}-2.5%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}0.6%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}39.8%
|-
|2020
|{{Increase}}30.5
|{{Decrease}}1,258.7
|{{Increase}}13.7
|{{Increase}}565.9
|{{Increase}}1.2%
|{{Increase}}2.8%
|{{Steady}}0.6%
|{{IncreaseNegative}}44.2%
|-
|2021
|{{Increase}}33.2
|{{Increase}}1,319.6
|{{Increase}}15.9
|{{Increase}}632.6
|{{Increase}}6.9%
|{{Increase}}0.4%
|n/a
|{{IncreaseNegative}}44.5%
|-
|2022
|{{Increase}}38.3
|{{Increase}}1,466.6
|{{Increase}}18.5
|{{Increase}}710.3
|{{Increase}}12.8%
|{{Increase}}2.0%
|n/a
|{{DecreasePositive}}42.0%
|-
|2023
|{{Increase}}43.5
|{{Increase}}1,605.9
|{{Increase}}21.0
|{{Increase}}777.6
|{{Increase}}11.1%
|{{Increase}}2.0%
|n/a
|{{DecreasePositive}}39.9%
|-
|2024
|{{Increase}}47.3
|{{Increase}}1,685.4
|{{Increase}}22.9
|{{Increase}}816.6
|{{Increase}}6.6%
|{{Increase}}2.0%
|n/a
|{{DecreasePositive}}39.2%
|-
|2025
|{{Increase}}51.3
|{{Increase}}1,760.8
|{{Increase}}24.9
|{{Increase}}853.6
|{{Increase}}6.3%
|{{Increase}}2.0%
|n/a
|{{DecreasePositive}}38.8%
|-
|2026
|{{Increase}}55.3
|{{Increase}}1,830.5
|{{Increase}}26.8
|{{Increase}}888.5
|{{Increase}}5.8%
|{{Increase}}2.0%
|n/a
|{{DecreasePositive}}38.7%
|}

==Statistics==
'''[[Gross domestic product|GDP]]:'''
purchasing power parity – $21.86 billion (2017 est.)

'''GDP – real growth rate:'''
4.9% (2017 est.)

'''GDP – per capita:'''
purchasing power parity – $1,200 (2017 est.)

'''GDP – composition by sector:'''
<br>''agriculture:''
41.6%
<br>''industry:''
19.5%
<br>''services:''
38.7% (2017)

'''Population below poverty line:'''
45.4% (2014 est.)

'''Household income or consumption by percentage share:'''
<br>''lowest 10%:''
3%
<br>''highest 10%:''
29.3% (1992)

'''Inflation rate (consumer prices):'''
2.4% (2017 est.)

'''Labour force:'''
6.5 million (2017 est.)

'''Labour force – by occupation:'''
agriculture 79.2%, industry: 3.3%, services: 17.5% (2012 est.)

'''Unemployment rate:'''
0.3% (2017 est.)

'''Budget:'''
<br>''revenues:''
$1.757 billion (2017 est.)
<br>''expenditures:''
2.171 billion (2017 est.)

'''Industries:'''
[[uranium]] mining, [[cement]], brick, [[textiles]], food processing, chemicals, [[slaughterhouses]]

'''Industrial production growth rate:'''
6% (2017 est.)

'''electrification:''' total population: 15% (2013)

'''electrification:''' urban areas: 62% (<span class="subfield-note"></span>2013)

'''electrification:''' rural areas: 4% (<span class="subfield-note"></span>2013)

'''Electricity – production:'''
494.7 million kWh (2016 est.)

'''Electricity – production by source:'''
<br>''fossil fuel:''
95%
<br>''renewable:''
5%
<br>''nuclear:''
0%
<br>''other:''
0% (2017)

'''Electricity – consumption:'''
1.065 billion kWh (2016 est.)

'''Electricity – exports:'''
0 kWh (2016 est.)

'''Electricity – imports:'''
779 million kWh (2016 est.)

'''Agriculture – products:'''
[[cowpea]]s, [[cotton]], [[peanut]]s, [[pearl millet]], [[sorghum]], [[cassava]] ([[tapioca]]), [[rice]]; [[cattle]], [[domestic sheep|sheep]], [[domestic goat|goats]], [[camel]]s, [[donkey]]s, [[horse]]s, [[poultry]]

'''Exports:'''
$4.143 billion (2017 est.)

'''Exports – commodities:'''
uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

'''Exports – partners:'''
France 30.2%, Thailand 18.3%, Malaysia 9.9%, Nigeria 8.3%, Mali 5%, Switzerland 4.9% (2017)

'''Imports:'''
$1.829 billion (2017 est.)

'''Imports – commodities:'''
foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

'''Imports – partners:'''
France 28.8%, China 14.4%, Malaysia 5.7%, Nigeria 5.4%, Thailand 5.3%, US 5.1%, India 4.9% (2017)

'''Debt – external:'''
$3.728 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

'''Economic aid – recipient:'''
$222 million (1995)

'''Currency:'''
1 [[Communauté Financière Africaine franc]] (CFAF) = 100 centimes

'''Exchange rates:'''
Communauté Financière Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1&nbsp;– 670 (January 2000), 560.01 (January 1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996), 499.15 (1995)
<br>''note:''
since 1 January 1999, the CFAF is pegged to the [[euro]] at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro

'''Fiscal year:'''
calendar year

==Economic sectors==
[[File:Niamey night.jpg|thumb|[[Niamey]], Niger's capital and economic hub.]]
The economy of Niger centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. Drought cycles, desertification, a 2.9% population growth rate, and the drop in world demand for uranium have undercut the economy.

Niger shares a common currency, the [[CFA franc]], and a common central bank, the [[Central Bank of West African States]] (BCEAO), with seven other members of the [[West African Monetary Union]]. Niger is also a member of the [[Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa]] (OHADA).<ref name="ohada.com">{{cite web
  | title = OHADA.com: The business law portal in Africa
  | url = http://www.ohada.com/index.php
  | access-date = 22 March 2009
  | archive-date = 26 March 2009
  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090326033744/http://www.ohada.com/index.php
  | url-status = live
  }}</ref>

In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program for [[Heavily Indebted Poor Countries]] (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund for [[Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility]] (PRGF). Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations, freeing funds for expenditures on basic health care, primary education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other programs geared at poverty reduction.

In December 2005, it was announced that Niger had received 100% multilateral [[debt relief]] from the [[IMF]], which translates into the forgiveness of approximately US$86&nbsp;million in debts to the IMF, excluding the remaining assistance under HIPC. Nearly half of the government's budget is derived from foreign donor resources. Future growth may be sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources. Uranium prices have recovered somewhat in the last few years. A drought and locust infestation in 2005 led to food shortages for as many as 2.5&nbsp;million Nigeriens.

===Economic sectors===


====Agriculture====
{{Main|Agriculture in Niger}}
[[File:Niger Safari.jpg|thumb|The fertile south of Niger near the [[Niger River]].]]
[[Image:Niger rice map and season.png|thumb|right|200px|Map and growing season for the Nigerien  [[Rice]] crop. Chart shows [[Normalized Difference Vegetation Index]] against Long Rains Dry Season (July – Feb), measuring normal years crop growth in the major Rice producing areas of Niger.<ref name="pecad.fas.usda.gov">[http://www.pecad.fas.usda.gov/cropexplorer/chartview.cfm?ftypeid=4&fattributeid=1&stypeid=4&sattributeid=15&cntryid=NG&startdate=2008%2D07%2D01%2000%3A00%3A00%2E0&d=37361&regionid=wafrica www.pecad.fas.usda.gov/cropexplorer/]{{dead link|date=June 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>]]
The agricultural economy is based largely upon internal markets, [[subsistence agriculture]], and the export of raw commodities: foodstuffs and cattle to neighbors. Foreign exchange earnings from livestock, although difficult to quantify, are considered the second source of export revenue behind mining and oil exports. Actual exports far exceed official statistics, which often fail to detect large herds of animals informally crossing into Nigeria. Some hides and skins are exported, and some are transformed into handicrafts.
<ref name=ussd2009>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm Background Notes for Niger: January 2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524232128/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm |date=2019-05-24 }} Bureau of African Affairs, United States State Department. Retrieved 26 February 2009. Portions of the "Economy" section are here used verbatim, as this document is in the public domain.</ref>

Niger's agricultural and livestock sectors are the mainstay of all but 18% of the population.<ref name=ussd2009 /> 14% of Niger's GDP is generated by livestock production (camels, goats, sheep and cattle), said to support 29% of the population. Thus 53% of the population is actively involved in crop production.<ref name=ussd2009 /> The 15% of Niger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern border with Nigeria.

[[File:Niger Farm sand tv 16aug05.jpg|thumb|Drought has turned farmland into useless soil. A farmer examines the soil in drought-stricken Niger during the 2005 famine.]]
In these areas, [[Pearl millet]], [[sorghum]], and [[cassava]] are the principal rain-fed subsistence crops. Irrigated rice for internal consumption is grown in parts of the [[Niger River]] valley in the west. While expensive, it has, since the devaluation of the CFA franc, sold for below the price of imported rice, encouraging additional production. [[Cowpea]]s and onions are grown for commercial export, as are small quantities of garlic, [[capsicum|peppers]], potatoes, and wheat. Oasis farming in small patches of the north of the country produces onions, [[Phoenix dactylifera|dates]], and some market vegetables for export.<ref name=ussd2009 />

But for the most part, rural residents engaged in crop tending are clustered in the south centre and south west of the nation, in those areas (the [[Sahel]]) which can expect to receive between {{convert|300|and|600|mm|0|abbr=on}} of rainfall annually. A small area in the southern tip of the nation, surrounding [[Gaya, Niger|Gaya]] can expect to receive {{convert|700|to|900|mm|0|abbr=on}} or rainfall. Northern areas which support crops, such as the southern portions of the [[Aïr Massif]] and the [[Kaouar oasis]], rely upon oases and a slight increase in rainfall due to mountain effects. Large portions of the northwest and far east of the nation, while within the Sahara desert, see just enough seasonal rainfall to support semi-nomadic animal husbandry. The populations of these areas, mostly [[Tuareg people|Tuareg]], [[Wodaabe]]&nbsp;– [[Fula people|Fula]], and [[Toubou]], travel south (a process called [[transhumance]]) to pasture and sell animals in the dry season, north into the Sahara in the brief rainy season.<ref name="Decalo1997">{{Cite book
|last=Decalo
|first=Samuel
|title=Historical Dictionary of the Niger (3rd ed.)
|publisher=Scarecrow Press|location=Boston & Folkestone
|year=1997
|isbn=0-8108-3136-8
}}</ref>

Rainfall varies and when it is insufficient, Niger has difficulty feeding its population and must rely on grain purchases and food aid to meet food requirements.<ref name=ussd2009 /> Rains, as in much of the Sahel, have been marked by annual variability. This has been especially true in the 20th century, with the [[Sahel drought|most severe drought on record]] beginning in the late 1960s and lasting, with one break, well into the 1980s. The long-term effect of this, especially to pastoralist populations, remains in the 21st century, with those communities which rely upon cattle, sheep, and camels husbandry losing entire herds more than once during this period. Recent rains remain variable. For instance, the rains in 2000 were not good, while those in 2001 were plentiful and well distributed.

Soils that have become degraded, for example by intensive cereal production, cover 50 per cent of Niger's land. Laterite soils have a high clay content, which means they have higher [[Cation Exchange Capacity]] and water-holding capacity than sandy soils. If laterite soils become degraded, a hard crust can form on the surface, which hinders water infiltration and the emergence of seedlings. It is possible to rehabilitate such soils, using a system called the [[Bioreclamation of Degraded Lands]].<ref name="auto1">[http://www.icrisat.org/impacts/impact-stories/Converting-degraded-soils-into-productive-land.pdf''Bio-reclamation&nbsp;– Converting degraded lateritic soils into productive land''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726233807/http://www.icrisat.org/impacts/impact-stories/Converting-degraded-soils-into-productive-land.pdf |date=2018-07-26 }}, ''Rural'' 21, March 2013.</ref>

This involves using indigenous water-harvesting methods (such as planting pits and trenches), applying animal and plant residues, and planting high-value fruit trees and indigenous vegetable crops that are tolerant of drought conditions. The [[International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics]] ([[ICRISAT]]) has employed this system to rehabilitate degraded laterite soils in Niger and increase [[smallholding|smallholder]] farmers' incomes. Trials have demonstrated that a {{convert|200|m2|0|abbr=on}} plot can yield an income of around US$100, which is what men traditionally earn from millet production per hectare (10000m<sup>2</sup>). As women are often given degraded soils, using this practice has helped to improve livelihoods for women in Niger.<ref name="auto1"/>

The [[Kandadji Dam]] on the Niger River, whose construction started in August 2008, is expected to improve agricultural production in the [[Tillaberi Department]] by providing water for the irrigation of 6,000 hectares initially and of 45,000 hectares by 2034.<ref>[http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Environmental-and-Social-Assessments/ADF-BD-IF-2008-51-EN-NIGER-KANDADJI-ECOSYSTEMS-REGENERATION-DETAILED-POPULATION-RESETTLEMENT-PLAN.PDF "Kandadji" Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme (KERNVDP), Detailed Population Resettlement Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010190439/https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Environmental-and-Social-Assessments/ADF-BD-IF-2008-51-EN-NIGER-KANDADJI-ECOSYSTEMS-REGENERATION-DETAILED-POPULATION-RESETTLEMENT-PLAN.PDF |date=2017-10-10 }}, Executive Summary, Republic of Niger, Prime Minister's Office, High Commission for Niger Valley / African Development Bank, February 2008, p. 3-4.</ref>

====Drought and food crisis====
{{Main|Sahel drought|2005–06 Niger food crisis|2010 Sahel drought}}
As one of the Sahelian nations in West Africa, Niger has faced several droughts which led to food shortages and, in some cases, famines since its independence in 1963. This includes a series of droughts in the 1970s and 1980s and more recently in 2005–2006 and again in 2010. The existence of widespread famine in 2005–2006 was debated by the government of Niger as well some local NGOs.<ref>[http://www.eden-foundation.org/project/articles_niger_crisis_2005.html When Endemic Malnutrition is Labeled as Famine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727084935/http://www.eden-foundation.org/project/articles_niger_crisis_2005.html |date=2018-07-27 }}. Eden Foundation (Sweden), May 2006.</ref>

====Mining====
{{Main|Oil and mining industry of Niger|Coal mining in Niger}}
The Niger mining industry is the main source of national exports, of which uranium is the largest export. Niger has been a uranium exporter since the 1960s and has had substantial export earnings and rapid economic growth during the 1960s and 1970s. The persistent [[uranium]] price slump has brought lower revenues for Niger's uranium sector, although it still provides 72% of national export proceeds. When the uranium-led boom ended in the early 1980s the economy stagnated, and new investment since then has been limited. Niger's two uranium mines—[[SOMAIR]]'s open pit mine and [[COMINAK]]'s underground mine—are owned by a French-led consortium and operated by French company [[Orano]].<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/areva-niger-idUKL6N0OC2TB20140526|title=UPDATE 3-Areva signs uranium deal with Niger, delays new mine|work=Reuters|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403215858/https://uk.reuters.com/article/areva-niger-idUKL6N0OC2TB20140526|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="dw.de">{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.de/niger-sets-new-terms-in-uranium-ore-deal-with-areva/a-17667618|title=Niger sets new terms in uranium ore deal with Areva|work=DW.DE|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=20 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120193015/http://www.dw.de/niger-sets-new-terms-in-uranium-ore-deal-with-areva/a-17667618|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|2007}}, many licences have been sold to other companies from countries such as India, China, Canada and Australia in order to exploit new deposits. In 2013, the government of Niger sought to increase its uranium revenue by subjecting the two mining companies to a 2006 Mining Law. The government argued that the application of the new law will balance an otherwise unfavorable partnership between the government and [[Areva]]. The company resisted the application of the new law that it feared would jeopardize the financial health of the companies, citing declining market uranium prices and unfavorable market conditions. In 2014, following nearly a year long negotiation with the government of Niger, Areva agreed to the application of 2006 Mining Law of Niger, which would increase the government's uranium revenues from 5 to 12%.<ref name="reuters.com" /><ref name="dw.de" />{{update inline|date=January 2019}}

[[File:Niger millet Koremairwa 1214.jpg|thumb|A farmer collecting [[millet]] in [[Koré Maïroua|Koremairwa]] village in the [[Dosso (department)|Dosso]] department.]]
In addition to uranium, exploitable deposits of gold are known to exist in Niger in the region between the Niger River and the border with Burkina Faso. In 2004, the first Nigerien gold ingot was produced from the [[Samira Hill Gold Mine]], in [[Tera Department]]. The [[Samira Hill Gold Mine]] thus became the first commercial gold production in the country. The reserves at the location were estimated at 10,073,626 tons at an average grade of {{convert|2.21|g|oz}} per ton from which {{convert|19,200|kg|lb}} will be recovered over a six-year mine life. Other gold deposits are believed to be in nearby areas known as the "Samira Horizon", which is located between [[Gotheye]] and [[Ouallam]].<ref>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm Background Note:Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524232128/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm |date=2019-05-24 }}, United States State Department, Bureau of Public Affairs: Electronic Information and Publications Office. Bureau of African Affairs. September 2008</ref>

SONICHAR (Société Nigerienne de Charbon) in [[Tchirozerine]] (north of [[Agadez]]) extracts coal from an open pit and fuels an electricity generating plant that supplies energy to the uranium mines. Based on 2012 reports by the government of Niger, 246016 tons of coal were extracted by SONICHAR in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/Annuaires_Statistiques/INS_2012/AS2007-2011INDUSTRIEEXT.pdf|title=– Coal Production and Utilization 2007–2011 Report P218|access-date=2018-12-17|archive-date=2017-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010190440/http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/Annuaires_Statistiques/INS_2012/AS2007-2011INDUSTRIEEXT.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> There are additional coal deposits to the south and west that are of a higher quality and may be exploitable. Substantial deposits of [[phosphates]], coal, [[Iron ore|iron]], [[limestone]], and [[gypsum]] have also been found in Niger.

====Oil====
{{Main|Oil and mining industry of Niger|Petroleum industry in Niger}}
[[File:Niger 2008 oilrig.jpg|thumb|A test [[oil well]] in the [[Tenere Desert]], January 2008]]
The history of oil prospecting and discovery goes back to the independence era with the first discovery of the Tintouma oil field in [[Madama]] in 1975.<ref name="oilhistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.lesahel.org/index.php/component/k2/item/1651-le-petrole-nigerien--dagadem-a-la-soraz |title=Le Petrole Nigerien: D'Agadem a la Soraz |access-date=2014-06-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714120718/http://www.lesahel.org/index.php/component/k2/item/1651-le-petrole-nigerien--dagadem-a-la-soraz |archive-date=14 July 2014 |df=dmy-all |language=fr }}</ref> The Agadem basin in particular has attracted much attention since 1970 with Texaco and then Esso prospecting in the basin until 1980. Exploration permits on the same basin were held successively by [[Elf Aquitaine]] (1980–1985), [[Esso]]-Elf (1985–1998), Esso (1998–2002), and Esso-[[Petronas]] (2002–2006). While the reserves were estimated at 324 million barrels for oil and 10 billion m<sup>3</sup> for gas, Esso-Petronas relinquished the permit because it deemed the quantities too small for production.<ref name="oilhistory" />

With the sudden increase in oil price by 2008, this assessment was no longer true; consequently, the government transferred the Agadem block rights to [[CNPC]]. Niger announced that in exchange for the US$5&nbsp;billion investment, the Chinese company would build wells, 11 of which would open by 2012, a {{convert|20000|oilbbl/d|m3/d|adj=on}} [[SORAZ]] refinery near [[Zinder]], and a pipeline out of the nation. The government estimates the area has reserves of {{convert|324|Moilbbl|m3}}, and is seeking further oil in the [[Tenere Desert]] and near [[Bilma]]. Niger began producing its first barrels of oil in 2011.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130124233237/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hQcHDblgbEGuRpUaW4jhV6n_e5hw?docId=CNG.f2c02c700bcf33947db7403f3c93a92b.81 As refinery opens, Niger joins club of oil producers], Agence France-Presse. 28 November 2011.</ref> Government revenue from this is over $100 million per year, about 5% of Niger's GDP, and slightly higher than from the uranium extraction industry.<ref name=schritt-2018>{{cite journal |title=Crude Moves: Oil, Power and Politics in Niger |last1=Schritt |first1=Jannik |last2=Schareika |first2=Nikolaus |journal=Africa Spectrum |volume=53 |issue=2 |year=2018 |pages=65–89 |doi=10.1177/000203971805300204 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Growth rates===
The economic competitiveness created by the January 1994 devaluation of the [[CFA franc|Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA) franc]] contributed to an annual average economic growth of 3.5% throughout the mid-1990s. But the economy stagnated due to the sharp reduction in foreign aid in 1999 (which gradually resumed in 2000) and poor rains in 2000. Reflecting the importance of the agricultural sector, the return of good rains was the primary factor underlying economic growth of 5.1% in 2000, 3.1% in 2001, 6.0% in 2002, and 3.0% in 2003.

In recent years, the Government of Niger drafted revisions to the investment code (1997 and 2000), petroleum code (1992), and mining code (1993), all with attractive terms for investors. The present government actively seeks foreign private investment and considers it key to restoring economic growth and development. With the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it has undertaken a concerted effort to revitalize the private sector.

[[File:To market.jpg|thumb|right|A market in [[Maradi, Niger|Maradi]].]]

===Economic reforms===
In January 2000, Niger's newly elected government inherited serious financial and economic problems including a virtually empty treasury, past-due salaries (11 months of unpaid salaries) and scholarship payments, increased debt, reduced revenue performance, and lower public investment. In December 2000, Niger qualified for enhanced debt relief under the [[International Monetary Fund]] program for [[Highly Indebted Poor Countries]] and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a [[Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility]] (PRGF).<ref name="ussd2009"/>

In addition to changes in the budgetary process and public finances, the new government has pursued economic restructuring towards the IMF promoted [[privatization]] model. This has included the privatization of water distribution and telecommunications and the removal of price protections for petroleum products, allowing prices to be set by world market prices. Further privatizations of public enterprises are in the works.

In its effort to comply with the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility plan, the government is also taking action to reduce corruption and, as the result of a participatory process encompassing civil society, has devised a Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan that focuses on improving [[Health care in Niger|health]], [[Education in Niger|primary education]], rural infrastructure, and [[Judiciary of Niger|judicial]] restructuring.<ref name=ussd2009 />

A long planned privatization of the Nigerien power company, [[NIGELEC]], failed in 2001 and again in 2003 due to a lack of buyers. [[SONITEL]], the nation's telephone operator which was separated from the post office and privatised in 2001, was renationalised in 2009. Critics have argued that the obligations to creditor institutions and governments have locked Niger into a process of trade liberalization that is harmful for small farmers and in particular, [[rural women]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061007155426/http://www.3dthree.org/pdf_3D/3DCEDAWNigerAg.pdf Niger: Agricultural trade liberalization and women’s rights]. August 2006. Report by 3D – Trade&nbsp;– Human Rights&nbsp;– Equitable Economy.</ref>

===Infrastructure===
[[File:Maradi aidecentre Niger9aug2005 3.jpg|thumb|right|A rural mother tends to her malnourished infant at the Maradi MSF aid centre, during the [[2005–2006 Niger food crisis]]. While the [[Maradi Region]] is the breadbasket of Niger, the 20th century saw three severe [[Sahel drought]]s which brought dramatic food insecurity to even the most fertile regions of Niger.]]

====Transportation infrastructure====
{{Main|Transport in Niger}}
[[File:Highway to tahoua 2007 002.jpg|thumb|right|One of the roads leading to [[Tahoua]], central Niger]]
[[File:Niameyairport 2005 crop.JPG|thumb|right|View of Diori Hamani International Airport at Niamey]]

Transport is crucial to the economy and culture of this vast landlocked nation, with cities separated by huge uninhabited deserts, mountain ranges, and other natural features. Niger's transport system was little developed during the [[History of Niger|colonial period]] (1899–1960), relying upon animal transport, human transport, and limited river transport in the far south west and south east. No railways were constructed in the colonial period.
Construction of a network of paved roads linking major cities began after the independence reaching its heights during the uranium boom in the 1970s and 1980s. Primary or paved road systems are limited to bigger cities or connection between major cities. Road connections or networks in rural areas are mostly unpaved, all-weather laterite surfaces to grated dirt or sand plowed roads with various degrees of maintenance. In 2012, there was {{convert|19,675|km|mi}} of road network throughout Niger, of which {{convert|4,225|km|mi}} were paved.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} ''Annuaire statistique du Niger 2008– 2012 .'' [http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/Annuaires_Statistiques/INS_2012/AS2008-2012TRANSPORTROUTIER.pdf  Transport routier] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220202046/http://www.stat-niger.org/statistique/file/Annuaires_Statistiques/INS_2012/AS2008-2012TRANSPORTROUTIER.pdf |date=2018-12-20 }}</ref>

The Niger River, which crosses the southwestern part of the country, is unsuitable for river transport of any large scale, as it lacks depth for most of the year, and is broken by rapids at many spots. Camel caravan transport was historically important in the Sahara desert and [[Sahel]] regions which cover most of the north.

Air transport is mainly concentrated in Niamey. Niger's only [[international airport]] is [[Diori Hamani International Airport]], is located in the capital, Niamey. Other [[List of airports in Niger|airports in Niger]] include the [[Mano Dayak International Airport]] in Agadez city and [[Zinder Airport]] in [[Zinder, Niger|Zinder city]] but as of January 2015, they were not regularly serviced by any carriers.

In 2014, construction for the railway extension connecting Niamey (Niger) to Cotonou via Parakou (Benin) began and was expected to be completed by 2016. However, the project was still ongoing in 2018,<ref>Agence France-Presse (March 23, 2018). "Benin president taps China for controversial railway - dismissing bids by local and French companies". South China Morning Post.</ref> and no recent reports have been made as of 2022. It includes the construction of {{convert|574|km|mi}} new railway from [[Niamey]] to connect to the existing line in [[Parakou]] ([[Benin]]). Besides Niamey, the railway line will go through [[Dosso, Niger|Dosso city]] and [[Gaya, Niger|Gaya]].

====Energy infrastructure{{anchor|Energy_Infrastructure}}====
=====Accessibility to energy=====
Niger has insufficient access to the energy it needs. The country's energy consumption is considered one of the lowest in the world.<ref name=ProQuest466278758>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|466278758}} |title=Niger: Energy provision |work=EIU ViewsWire |location=New York |date=11 November 2003 }}</ref> Niger's existing systems of energy consumption are also very underdeveloped to sustain energy efficiency within the state. Electricity access between urban areas such as Niamey enable 50 percent electricity service, and rural areas with 20 to 40 percent electricity service, with the lowest region at 10 percent.<ref>World Bank. 2015. ''Niger – Electricity Access Expansion Project (English)''. Washington, D.C. : World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/918311468179953735/Niger-Electricity-Access-Expansion-Project {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217110849/http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/918311468179953735/Niger-Electricity-Access-Expansion-Project |date=2018-12-17 }}</ref> Other demands for electricity are met by NIGELEC, providing [[diesel generators]] and [[thermal coal]] plants to create fuel for rent.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|url=https://energycharter.org/fileadmin/DocumentsMedia/Occasional/Niger_Energy_Sector.pdf|title=The Energy Sector of Niger: Perspectives and Opportunities|last=Gado|first=Salifou|date=2015|website=energycharter.org|access-date=2018-12-17|archive-date=2020-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214065325/https://www.energycharter.org/fileadmin/DocumentsMedia/Occasional/Niger_Energy_Sector.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Primary energy outlets=====
Niger has three major energy consumption outlets; oil products, biofuel and waste, and electricity. As of 2016, Niger's energy consumption includes 486 [[ktoe]] via oil products, 2,217 ktoe via biofuel and waste, and 84 ktoe via electricity.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|url=https://www.iea.org/statistics/?country=NIGER&year=2016&category=Energy%20consumption&indicator=TFCbySource&mode=chart&categoryBrowse=false&dataTable=BALANCES&showDataTable=false|title=Statistics|website=www.iea.org|access-date=2018-11-03|archive-date=2018-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103022056/https://www.iea.org/statistics/?country=NIGER&year=2016&category=Energy%20consumption&indicator=TFCbySource&mode=chart&categoryBrowse=false&dataTable=BALANCES&showDataTable=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Niger's predominant sources of energy are wood and charcoal, also known as biomass. Out of the 2,747 ktoe of energy supply in the country, 70% is from biomass. Households use up to 90% biomass due to the unavailability of alternative sources, and the increased rates of imported energy that some cannot afford.<ref name=ProQuest466278758/> The most used oil products are [[liquefied petroleum gas]], motor gasoline, gas and diesel, other [[kerosene]], and fuel oil.<ref name=":13" />
[[File:Total_Final_Consumption_by_source.png|thumb|A chart representing the total final consumption of Niger's energy sources.]]

=====Sustainable and renewable energy=====
Niger also gets partial access to hydroelectric power from dams created alongside the [[Niger River]].<ref name=":43">{{cite journal |last1=Abdulkadir |first1=T.S. |last2=Sule |first2=B.F. |last3=Salami |first3=A.W. |title=Application of Artificial Neural Network Model to the Management of Hydropower Reservoirs along River Niger, Nigeria |journal=Annals of the Faculty of Engineering Hunedoara – International Journal of Engineering |date=2012 |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=419–424 |url=https://annals.fih.upt.ro/pdf-full/2012/ANNALS-2012-3-73.pdf |issn=1584-2673 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713204857/https://annals.fih.upt.ro/pdf-full/2012/ANNALS-2012-3-73.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rs|date=June 2021}} Hydroelectric power contributes about 280 megawatts (MW) to Niger's energy collectively from several hydropower sources, including 130 MW from the Kandadji, 122.5 from River Niger in Gambou, and 26 MW from Dyondyonga in Mekrou.<ref name=":23" /> Getting renewable energy via hydropower has proven controversial, due to the importance of rainfall in acquiring energy. Again, these hydroelectric power dams are creating energy for Niger via Nigeria.<ref name=":43" />

Solar energy has also been used to provide energy access. From 2004 to 2010 solar power generation was implemented, but there was a significant drop from 2010 to 2012. However, since 2016 approximately 5 Gwh of solar power have been used.<ref name=":13" />

Niger has the potential to provide sustainable and renewable energy access within the country, which would help increase its energy intake and cope with the growing demands of the population. Several projects have been discussed to make use of clean energy sources such as solar power, hydropower, grid power, and wind power.

Many NGOs are working on funding projects to provide sustainable and renewable energy in parts of Africa. Affording the resources to create sustainable energy is one of the biggest barrier Niger faces, but agencies such as International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and AbuDhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) are funding low developing countries, including Niger, to help develop local renewable projects. Theses agencies will support projects including a hybrid micro-grid project employing solar PV and advanced lithium-ion batteries, a hydropower project, integrated wind and solar, and a combination project consisting of micro-grid and solar home kits. In addition, Lighting Africa, an NGO primarily working in Niger, is assisting in sustainable energy development through two World Bank-sponsored Energy Access Projects: the Niger Solar Electricity Project (NESAP), and the Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project (ROGEP). These projects will work with grid systems in two piloting countries, and this includes Niger. They will aim to increase electricity access in households, businesses, and communities through modern off-grid electrification.

==See also==
*[[List of companies based in Niger]]
*[[List of countries by percentage of population living in poverty]]
*[[List of countries by Human Development Index]]
*[[List of countries by GDP (nominal)]]
*[[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita]]
*[[List of countries by GDP (PPP)]]
*[[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita]]
*[[List of countries by GNI (nominal) per capita]]
*[[List of countries by GDP growth]]
*[[List of countries by industrial production growth rate]]
* [[United Nations Economic Commission for Africa]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
*[http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/27/17/38562965.pdf OECD/  AEO 2007 Niger country study] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225072545/http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/27/17/38562965.pdf |date=2009-02-25 }}.

==External links==
* [http://www.investir-au-niger.org/ Invest in Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104141923/http://www.investir-au-niger.org/ |date=2009-01-04 }}: Centre de Promotion des Investissements Sis à la Chambre de Commerce d'Agriculture, d'Industrie et d'Atisanat du Niger.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080703154213/http://niger-tourisme.com/ http://www.niger-tourisme.com]: Ministère du tourisme et de l'artisanat nigérien.
* [http://www.trademap.org/open_access/Index.aspx?proceed=true&reporter=562 Niger latest trade data on ITC Trade Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001015149/http://www.trademap.org/open_access/Index.aspx?proceed=true&reporter=562 |date=2011-10-01 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080307225335/http://www.mbendi.co.za/land/af/ni/p0005.htm The MBendi website, Niger]: A South Africa-based business research group. Is especially useful for tracking government mining concessions.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080610034050/http://www.lamaisondelafrique.com/niger.html  LA MAISON DE L'AFRIQUE: Niger]. Franco-African business group.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081019110424/http://www.ird.ne/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement au Niger]: French government development office in Niger.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090212134408/http://www.dfid.gov.uk/countries/africa/Niger.asp United Kingdom Department of International Development:Niger].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090202150745/http://acdi-cida.gc.ca/niger-e Canadian International Development Agency:Niger].
* [http://www.wto.org/english/theWTO_e/countries_e/niger_e.htm World Trade Organization  MEMBER INFORMATION: Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227032713/http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/niger_e.htm |date=2009-02-27 }}.
* [https://archive.today/20130113135514/http://go.worldbank.org/T29QRKFVQ0 The World Bank, Niger overview and resources].
* [http://www.imf.org/external/country/ner/ International Monetary Fund: Article IV Executive Board Consultation reports regarding Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121195430/http://imf.org/external/country/ner |date=2008-11-21 }}.
* [http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/tad/exfin2.aspx?memberKey1=730&date1key=2008-02-21 IMF. Niger: Financial Position in the Fund as of January 31, 2008].
* [http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/tad/extrans1.aspx?memberKey1=730&endDate=2008%2D02%2D21&finposition_flag=YES IMF. Niger: Transactions with the Fund from May 01, 1984 to January 31, 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604214322/http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/tad/extrans1.aspx?memberKey1=730&endDate=2008-02-21&finposition_flag=YES |date=June 4, 2011 }}.
* [http://www.etruscan.com/s/Niger.asp Estruscan Mining (Canada)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305035857/http://www.etruscan.com/s/Niger.asp |date=2009-03-05 }}: corporate report on their Samira Hill Gold Mine, on the Benin border.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070531203332/http://resimao.org/ West African Agricultural Market Observer/Observatoire du Marché Agricole  (RESIMAO)], a project of the West-African Market Information Network (WAMIS-NET), provides live market and commodity prices from fifty seven regional and local public agricultural markets across Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Togo, and Nigeria. Sixty commodities are tracked weekly. The project is run by the Benin Ministry of Agriculture, and a number of European, African, and United Nations agencies.

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Economy Of Niger}}
[[Category:Economies of developing countries]]
[[Category:Economy of Niger| ]]
[[Category:World Trade Organization member economies|Niger]]
[[Category:African Union member economies|Niger]]