Niger's Minister of Commerce and Industry, M. Abdoulaye Seydou, undertook a significant visit to industrial facilities in the Tahoua region on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The Minister's itinerary included detailed inspections of key manufacturing sites, notably the rebar factory and the CBM Mango cementery, both strategically located in Badaguichiri, within the Illéla Department. This full tour was specifically designed to assess the current state of industrial operations and production capabilities in the area. The visit showed the government's commitment to monitoring and supporting the nation's industrial sector.
Factory Investments Detailed
The rebar factory, a key component of the region's industrial landscape, was inaugurated in 2024. This facility, which is owned by Chinese interests, represents a substantial investment of 2 billion CFA francs. It boasts an impressive production capacity of 20,000 tons of rebar per year, playing a vital role in meeting the demand for construction materials. The factory contributes significantly to local employment, providing 120 jobs directly to Nigerien youth, thereby fostering economic opportunities and skill development in the region.
Adjacent to the rebar plant, the CBM Mango cementery in Badaguichiri, also under Chinese ownership, commenced operations following its inauguration in 2023. This advanced facility is equipped with a high-performance kiln that operates at an intense temperature of 1450°C, ensuring efficient cement production. The CBM Mango cementery stands as a testament to significant foreign investment, representing nearly 260 billion CFA francs from Chinese partners. Its operational capacity is formidable, capable of producing 3000 tons of cement per day, which is critical for national infrastructure projects. The Badaguichiri unit is designed for remarkable autonomy, supported by a dedicated 30 MW coal-fired power plant that secures its energy needs and a strong drinking water pumping station. The cementery is a major employer in the area, providing 500 direct jobs and an additional 1000 indirect employment opportunities, contributing substantially to the local economy.
Minister's Warnings and Promises
During his inspection, Niger's Minister of Commerce and Industry, M. Abdoulaye Seydou, issued a clear directive to manufacturers, urging them to adopt transparent and fair pricing structures. He emphasized that these structures must accurately reflect all production factors involved in the manufacturing of essential materials like iron and cement. Minister Seydou expressed strong criticism against certain merchants who are reportedly making profits double the purchase price on these key construction materials. He firmly affirmed the government's stance, stating that the state would intervene by implementing stringent price controls to ensure that housing remains affordable and accessible for all citizens, addressing concerns about market exploitation.
M. Seydou further called upon factory managers to uphold their responsibilities by guaranteeing consistent production levels, maintaining absolute transparency in all their operations, and ensuring strict accountability for their practices. He issued a stern warning that severe sanctions would be imposed on any entities found to be exploiting the market or engaging in unfair trade practices. The Minister specifically addressed individuals and businesses refusing to transport cement grade 32.5, preferring instead to distribute the more profitable grade 42.5. He indicated that such deliberate actions, which prioritize higher gains over public need, would face punitive measures from the authorities.
Broader Economic Context
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, M. Abdoulaye Seydou, was accompanied by the Governor of the Tahoua Region, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, throughout his visit to the factories. Their joint presence showed the regional and national significance of these industrial developments and the government's unified approach to economic oversight. Following the thorough factory inspections, Minister Seydou convened a meeting with economic operators at the prestigious Palace Royal of the Chief of Canton of Illéla. During this important engagement, he meticulously outlined the specific advantages and benefits offered by the national investment code to local businesses and potential investors. This initiative aimed to actively encourage further economic participation and stimulate growth within the region, ensuring that industrial activities are well-aligned with broader national economic policies. The Minister's discussions consistently emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to fostering a favorable and stable environment for sustained economic development and diversification across Niger.