The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a $144.7 million financing agreement with the government of Niger to expand electricity access and enhance private sector competitiveness.
The funding, drawn from the African Development Fund, will support the first phase of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Program.
The initiative targets improved economic governance, a stronger legal framework for the energy sector, and reduced energy deficits, with national electricity access expected to rise from 22.5% to 30% by 2026.
The program also prioritizes renewable energy development, with a goal of 240 MW of solar capacity by 2030, including 50 MW by December 2026.
Alongside energy reforms, the plan aims to strengthen public financial management, improve tax revenue collection, clear domestic arrears, and encourage public-private partnerships.
By boosting industrial and commercial policies, Niger expects to raise the manufacturing sector’s share of GDP from 2.5% to 3.8%, advancing sustainable growth and job creation.
