The "Renforcer l’autonomisation économique et sociale des femmes dans les contextes de déplacement au Niger" (ProPAF-GIZ) project officially launched its regional activities in Agadez on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This significant event, marking a new phase for the initiative, was held in the Governor's Office Meeting Room in Agadez, showing the local government's commitment to the project's success. M. Souleymane Saidou Boulhassane, Secretary General of the Agadez Governorate, presided over the launch ceremony, noting the critical importance of the project for the region. During his address, Boulhassane noted that the region faces "threats against the stability of our populations that continue to be felt, with women and children as the main victims." He expressed confidence that "the expected results of this project will be achieved for the great happiness of the targets in particular and the populations of the intervention zones in general," emphasizing the potential positive impact on the lives of many.
Project Scope and Reach
The ProPAF-GIZ project's main objective is to support refugee women, internally displaced women, and vulnerable women within host communities. This full approach aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by these groups across the Maradi, Tahoua, and now Agadez regions. The national official launch of the project took place earlier, on January 23, 2026, in Niamey, setting the stage for its subsequent regional implementations.
Prior to its expansion into Agadez, the initiative had strategically focused its interventions in specific areas within other regions. It operated in two communes within the Tahoua region, specifically Bangui and Sabon Guida, where it provided key support to women in displacement contexts. Additionally, the project was active in two communes in the Maradi region: Guidan Roumdji and Chadakori. The expansion to Agadez marks a further reach for the project's objectives, extending its vital services to a new and equally vulnerable population. This geographical growth allows the project to broaden its impact and address the needs of more women affected by displacement and vulnerability.
National Priorities and Funding
The ProPAF project, which seeks to strengthen the social and economic autonomy of refugee, internally displaced, and vulnerable women within host communities, aligns directly with national objectives. The economic and social empowerment of women is a stated priority for the highest authorities of Niger, reflecting a broader governmental commitment to gender equality and development. The project's efforts are therefore intended to reinforce state initiatives in supporting both displaced populations and their host communities, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to humanitarian challenges. This collaborative approach aims to maximize the impact of interventions and foster sustainable solutions. Funding for the project is generously provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), showing international partnership in addressing these critical issues. The financial backing from BMZ is instrumental in enabling the project to implement its wide-ranging activities and achieve its ambitious goals.
Local Impact and Expectations
The ceremony marking the project's expansion in Agadez was held in the Governor's Office Meeting Room, drawing local officials and stakeholders. With additional funding secured, the project will now extend its interventions to the urban commune of Agadez, significantly increasing its local footprint. This includes specific focus areas such as the humanitarian center for refugees and its surrounding villages, Itrakat and Maï Adoua, in addition to the broader city of Agadez. This expansion signifies a broader geographical reach for the project, aiming to support a greater number of women in vulnerable situations across the region. The initiative is designed to bolster the economic and social autonomy of displaced and host community women, providing them with tools and resources to improve their livelihoods and social standing. The local community anticipates that these interventions will bring tangible improvements to the lives of the targeted women and contribute to the overall stability and well-being of the region.