Minister of Economy and Finance Mamane Laouali Abdou Rafa met with officials from the financial departments of the Maradi, Tahoua, and Zinder regions on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The high-level meeting, which brought together key financial administrators from across the specified regions, was a significant event for the Ministry. The meeting, held in the meeting room of the Maradi governorate, served multiple critical purposes. Its primary aim was to discuss new reforms currently being implemented or planned by the Ministry. Additionally, the gathering was designed to transmit important messages and orientations directly from the highest authorities within the government. A key objective was also to disseminate the full vision of the Ministry of Economy and Finances to these regional financial leaders, ensuring alignment and understanding of national economic goals.
During his address, Mr. Abdou Rafa emphasized the critical importance of self-reliance as a cornerstone for national autonomy. "We cannot claim our sovereignty if we cannot take care of ourselves," he stated, showing the intrinsic link between economic independence and national self-determination. He further elaborated on this principle, adding, "It is up to us to do everything possible to ensure our own food security first." This statement noted the government's commitment to prioritizing fundamental needs as a foundation for broader sovereignty. The Minister also declared a significant shift in national perception and terminology, saying, "Another term that we have also banned at the ministry is the term for Niger, 'landlocked country'; from now on, Niger is a 'crossroads' country." This redefinition, he explained, reflects a more strategic and optimistic outlook on the nation's geographical position. "God has placed Niger in a central position in Africa, attracting all kinds of nationalities," he affirmed, projecting an image of Niger as a hub rather than an isolated nation. He outlined upcoming financial reforms, noting, "We have reinstated banking. We will continue the reforms. We will connect all our revenue centers with all forms of structured currency. Electronic money with E-trésor soon. By 2027, no more cash will circulate in the public treasury. Several other reforms, but we cannot neglect land tax either."
Key Attendees and Agenda
Attendees at this key regional meeting included the Governor of Maradi region, Contrôleur Général de Police Issoufou Mamane, whose presence showed the inter-ministerial cooperation required for national reforms. Also present was the Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finances, M. Sama Mamane, a key figure in the implementation of the Ministry’s directives. Officials from the Tax, Customs, and Public Treasury departments, representing the Maradi, Tahoua, and Zinder regions, were also present at the gathering, signifying the broad scope of the reforms discussed. Minister Abdou Rafa specifically called on Customs agents to embrace the proposed reforms, emphasizing their key role in protecting local production from unfair competition and combating various forms of fraud that undermine the national economy. This direct appeal noted the integral function of Customs in safeguarding national economic interests.
The Minister reiterated the importance of self-sufficiency as a fundamental pillar for national autonomy and sustainable development. "We cannot claim our sovereignty if we cannot take care of ourselves," Minister Abdou Rafa stated, reinforcing the message that economic independence is inseparable from national pride and self-determination. He further elaborated on the practical implications of this philosophy, adding, "It is up to us to do everything possible to ensure our own food security first." This focus on food security reflects a core priority for the nation's well-being and stability. He also announced a conceptual shift for the nation, declaring, "Another term that we have also banned at the ministry is the term for Niger, 'landlocked country'; from now on, Niger is a 'crossroads' country." This rebranding aims to transform the perception of Niger's geographical reality into an advantage, emphasizing its potential as a regional connector. "God has placed Niger in a central position in Africa, attracting all kinds of nationalities," he concluded, presenting a vision of Niger as a dynamic and welcoming hub in Africa.
Mr. Abdou Rafa detailed a series of upcoming financial reforms, confirming, "We have reinstated banking. We will continue the reforms." This reinstatement marks a significant step in normalizing financial operations. He further elaborated on plans to modernize the financial system: "We will connect all our revenue centers with all forms of structured currency. Electronic money with E-trésor soon. By 2027, no more cash will circulate in the public treasury." This ambitious target for digital transformation aims to enhance transparency and efficiency. The Minister mentioned other reforms, including a renewed focus on land tax, an important source of domestic revenue. These cash operations were reinstated following the events of July 26, 2023, after the financial system had been temporarily cut, noting the resilience and adaptability of the nation's economic management.
Vision for National Sovereignty and Development
Niger has been operating under a new era of political, economic, and financial sovereignty for three years, according to official statements from the Ministry. This period marks a conscious and deliberate move towards greater national control over its destiny and resources. The government's full actions and strategic direction for the next five years are meticulously outlined in the Program of Refoundation of the Republic (PRN) 2025-2029. This ambitious program serves as a roadmap for national development and reform.
The first axis of the PRN is unequivocally focused on establishing and maintaining stability, peace, and security across the nation. This foundational objective is considered essential for any sustainable development or economic progress to take root. The second axis of the PRN places a strong emphasis on economic development and the liberation of productive forces. Within this framework, a particularly strong emphasis is placed on achieving full food security for all citizens, recognizing its critical importance for national well-being and stability.
Agricultural output figures demonstrate tangible progress in this vital area, reflecting the government's commitment to food security. In 2024, Niger proudly produced over 5 million tons of millet and sorghum, staple crops that are key for feeding the population. Beyond crop production, the nation also maintains a substantial and economically significant livestock population, with more than 60 million heads, contributing significantly to both food supply and rural livelihoods. Agriculture, in its entirety, significantly contributes to the national economy, accounting for a strong 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), showing its foundational role.
In an effort to reframe economic perceptions and foster a more positive national identity, the term 'informal economy' has been officially replaced with 'popular economy'. This change reflects a recognition of the significant contributions of traditionally informal sectors to the national livelihood. Similarly, the designation 'landlocked country' for Niger has been officially supplanted by 'crossroads country', reflecting a strategic shift in national identity and potential, aiming to highlight its central geographical position as an advantage for trade and connectivity within Africa.
Future Financial Reforms and Digitalization
Banking services in Niger have been successfully restored, a critical step towards re-establishing full financial functionality and confidence in the national system. Building on this restoration, the government plans to continue implementing reforms aimed at connecting all revenue centers with various forms of structured currency. This initiative is part of a broader, more ambitious strategy to comprehensively modernize the nation's financial systems, moving towards greater efficiency and transparency.
A key component of these upcoming changes involves the complete elimination of cash transactions within the public treasury. By the year 2027, officials anticipate that no cash will circulate through this vital government financial institution. This bold move is designed to significantly enhance transparency in public finance management, reduce the potential for corruption, and improve overall efficiency in government financial operations, aligning with international best practices.
The financial system will also soon integrate electronic money through the implementation of E-trésor, or electronic treasury. This advanced digitalization effort is expected to further streamline transactions, making financial operations quicker and more secure. The introduction of E-trésor will align Niger's financial operations with contemporary digital practices, contributing significantly to the overall modernization of the economy and positioning the nation for future growth in the digital age.