Niger

Investment & 
Operational
Climate

Niger is eager to attract foreign investment and has taken steps to improve its business climate, including making reforms to liberalize the economy, encourage privatization, and increase imports and exports. In March 2016, President Issoufou was elected for a second five-year term. During his inauguration speech, he laid out his Renaissance II vision for Niger’s development, highlighting plans to further develop the nation’s mining, petroleum, and industrial sectors, while scaling up the country’s transport infrastructure. He further promised a sustained 7% annual GDP growth rate throughout his term in office, with it actually hovering around 5%. Going into 2020, Issoufou’s vision incorporates the need for external investment and the Government of Niger (GoN) continues to seek foreign investment – with recent investments coming primarily from China and Turkey. Although the GoN seeks investment from everyone, there is prioritization for those that can invest quickly. During official visits to New York, Paris, Beijing and elsewhere since 2016, President Issoufou regularly reiterates the need for FDI. In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, which supports all investors, the GoN created the High Council for Investment (HCIN) in 2017. The HCIN is tasked with supporting and promoting foreign direct investments in Niger. The Permanent Secretary of the High Council reports directly to the President. GoN focus areas for investment include the mining sector, infrastructure and construction (which included a new airport and luxury hotel completed in 2019, transportation, and agribusiness).