The West African Development Bank (BOAD) formalized its commitment to Niger on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, by signing two conventions in Niamey. This significant event marked a key step in bolstering the nation's infrastructure and development initiatives. A delegation from BOAD, led by its president M. Serge Ekue, was present for the signing ceremony, showing the bank's direct involvement and support for Niger. Through these agreements, BOAD is pledging a substantial sum of 60.6 billion CFA francs to support key infrastructure projects in the country, targeting vital sectors that are essential for economic growth and social progress. The commitment notes BOAD's role as a key financial partner in the West African region, particularly in supporting member states' development agendas.
Strengthening Agricultural Capacity
A convention totaling 30 billion CFA francs was signed specifically for ONAHA, the National Office of Large Hydro-Agricultural Works. This financial allocation is designated to bolster ONAHA's operational capabilities through the procurement of essential equipment and materials. The 30 billion CFA francs provided through this convention is intended to strengthen ONAHA's capacities, ensuring it has the necessary resources to execute its mandate effectively. This includes the acquisition of modern machinery, tools, and other critical supplies required for large-scale agricultural projects. The financing for ONAHA is designed to support the implementation of the large-scale irrigation program initiated by the President of the Republic, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in Niger. This program is critical for transforming arid lands into fertile areas, thereby increasing crop yields and contributing significantly to the nation's food reserves.
Boosting Energy Production
A separate convention amounting to 30.6 billion CFA francs was signed with NIGELEC, the Nigerien Electricity Company. This funding is specifically allocated to strengthen NIGELEC's operational capacities, according to officials, ensuring the company can meet the growing energy demands of the country. The 30.6 billion CFA francs for NIGELEC is dedicated to strengthening its capacities, enabling it to upgrade existing infrastructure and invest in new technologies for power generation and distribution. This will facilitate the implementation of a 23-megawatt energy program. This program aims to significantly increase Niger's electricity production capacity, addressing current energy deficits and supporting future industrial and domestic needs. The financing is part of BOAD's broader commitment to supporting key infrastructure development within the country, targeting critical sectors such as energy. The investment is intended to address the nation's power generation needs and improve electricity access for its population, which is key for economic development and improving quality of life.
National Development Framework
These two projects are integral to the implementation of Niger's "Refondation de la République" program, a full national development strategy. The initiatives aim to bolster economic activities across several critical sectors within the country, fostering sustainable growth and development. This includes efforts to enhance agricultural production through improved irrigation systems, directly supported by the ONAHA financing, and to strengthen the national energy supply, which is the focus of the NIGELEC funding. Additionally, the projects are designed to support the processing of agro-pastoral products, contributing to local value chains by enabling better post-harvest management and value addition, and to foster broader industrial development by ensuring a reliable power supply. The financing from BOAD is directed towards these strategic goals to support Niger's national development framework, with a clear vision for long-term prosperity.
Official Presence and Support
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Zeine, noting the national importance and high-level government backing for these initiatives. This official presence showed the government's commitment to the successful execution of these vital infrastructure projects. Minister of Finance, M. Laouali Abdou Rafa, announced the details of the financing agreements, confirming BOAD's commitment to Niger's infrastructure development and outlining the specific allocations for ONAHA and NIGELEC. The presence of key government officials alongside BOAD's president M. Serge Ekue emphasized the collaborative effort to drive Niger's development agenda forward.