Niger's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Abdoulaye Saidou, presented a communication on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to the Advisory Council of Refoundation, detailing significant growth in the nation's industrial sector and new company creations. Saidou reported that 49 new industrial units were established between April 2025 and April 2026, representing an investment of 465.67 billion FCFA. This expansion shows the government's commitment to industrial development. He also noted that 8,353 new companies were created in 2025, a 40% increase from the 5,967 new companies formed in 2024, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial spirit and favorable business environment. The substantial rise in company registrations notes the effectiveness of current economic policies in fostering new enterprises.
Minister Saidou stated, "Cette stratégie a permis d’enregistrer plus de 500 intentions de partenariats d’affaires (B2B) entre entreprises nigériennes et étrangères et de conclure plusieurs protocoles d’accord (MoU) dans des secteurs prioritaires notamment l’entrepreneuriat (avec le Tchad), l’industrie (avec l’Algérie, le Maroc et la Chine) et le commerce (avec la Türkiye, le Maroc et l’Algérie)." He added that "un protocole d’accord bilatéral et un comité technique conjoint sont en cours d’élaboration dans le cadre du renforcement de notre coopération avec la Tunisie, à la suite de la visite que j’ai effectuée dans ce pays en avril 2026." Saidou concluded, "Tout ceci démontre la capacité du Niger à attirer de nouveaux investisseurs sur la base de ses atouts réels et d’une diplomatie économique proactive." This proactive economic diplomacy is proving instrumental in forging international partnerships and attracting foreign investment.
Industrial Unit Performance
Niger currently operates 235 functional industrial units, according to recent government figures. These operational units collectively project the creation of 6,286 jobs within the country's workforce, contributing significantly to employment generation. Concurrently, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) have been concluded in priority sectors, indicating a focus on expanding industrial collaboration and development. However, the industrial landscape also includes challenges, with 34 industrial units presently stopped. The rehabilitation of these inactive units has been identified as a national priority by the government, aiming to reactivate their production and employment potential and maximize the country's industrial capacity.
Economic Support and Subsidies
The State has implemented various financial measures to support economic activities and stabilize essential goods prices. Approximately 5.41 billion FCFA were injected to strengthen the capacities of Riz du Niger, an important national agricultural enterprise, thereby boosting local food production. 114.769 billion FCFA in tax advantages were granted under the Investment Code, aiming to incentivize further investment and stimulate economic growth across various sectors.
Budgetary sacrifices totaling 70.92 billion FCFA were made by the State. These sacrifices were intended to ensure the availability of hydrocarbons and to fix prices for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). As a result of these efforts, LPG is sold at 180 FCFA/kg at import, providing a stable and affordable energy source for consumers. Consumers also benefited from price reductions on fuel, with Super 91 gasoline seeing a reduction of 13.34 F/L and Gasoil experiencing a decrease of 52.77 F/L. These measures aim to alleviate economic burdens on households and businesses.
Market Oversight and Investigations
Government oversight bodies conducted 5,429 quality control operations in the market. This represents an 18% increase from the 4,613 operations carried out in 2024, signaling a strengthened commitment to consumer protection and product standards. Regarding competition, 52 sectoral investigations were undertaken, marking a 53% rise compared to the 34 investigations conducted in 2024. This increase reflects intensified efforts to ensure fair market practices and prevent anti-competitive behavior.
Current inspections are ongoing concerning gasoil shortages in the cities of Niamey, Maradi, Tahoua, Agadez, and Zinder. These inspections, conducted by the National Agency for Competition and Consumer Protection (ANMC), have uncovered fraudulent practices including hoarding or false declarations of shortages. The ANMC's vigilance is key in maintaining market stability and preventing exploitation. The gasoil shortage is considered globally controlled, though it is not yet totally resolved across all observed areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure equitable distribution.
Partnerships and Trade Initiatives
The first edition of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Trade Fair was recently organized in Niamey, Niger. The event registered the participation of over 1,000 exhibitors, fostering commercial ties within the region and promoting intra-Sahelian trade. Through the fair, more than 500 business-to-business (B2B) partnership intentions were registered between participating entities, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Separately, Niger is developing a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a joint technical committee with Tunisia, aiming to strengthen cooperation following an April 2026 visit to the North African nation. These initiatives reflect Niger's proactive economic diplomacy and its strategy to diversify partnerships and expand its international trade footprint.