By Ayomide Otitoju
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Niger have signed a $144.7 million financing agreement to enhance energy access and strengthen private sector competitiveness under the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC).
The agreement, signed in Abidjan by AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, represents budgetary support from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional lending arm.
Prime Minister Zeine described the deal as a milestone in Niger’s partnership with the Bank, saying, “This agreement is part of our strong cooperation with the African Development Bank Group. It will help boost our economic competitiveness and resilience through improved energy access, stronger fiscal management, and greater inclusion of vulnerable groups.”
The funding will support Niger’s plan to increase electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026, while raising the manufacturing sector’s GDP contribution from 2.5% to 3.8%. The programme also targets 240 MW of renewable capacity by 2030, including 50 MW of solar energy by December 2026.
In addition to expanding energy access, PAGSEC aims to improve public financial management, enhance tax collection systems, clear domestic arrears, and strengthen public-private dialogue to foster industrial and trade policy reforms.
Dr. Ould Tah reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to Niger’s sustainable development, saying, “The Bank will remain a steadfast partner to all our member states in their pursuit of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”
A key component of the programme focuses on social inclusion, providing targeted support for women, youth, and internally displaced persons affected by insecurity in the Sahel. It will also promote rural electrification through private-sector participation in mini-grid development and updated national energy policies.
With this agreement, Niger is poised to leverage its renewable energy potential and advance reforms that promote inclusive growth, energy security, and economic resilience.
