Niger

A landlocked country in the Sahel region north of Nigeria, Niger faces a complex economic and political landscape. In the nation’s first democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960, Mohamed Bazoum assumed the presidency in April 2021. The government implemented reforms aimed at liberalizing the economy, privatizing sectors, and establishing export processing zones to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). However, Bazoum’s tenure was cut short by an army-led coup in July 2023. 

Today, Niger remains one of the world’s poorest nations. Uranium, gold and oil exports are the cornerstones of its economy, with agriculture also accounting for approximately 40% of GDP, leaving Niger vulnerable fluctuations in commodity prices. Additional challenges include insecurity exacerbated by violent extremist organizations, a fragile rule of law susceptible to political meddling, inadequate infrastructure, and an underdeveloped labor market characterized by a significant informal sector. Niger is also prone to recurrent droughts and other climate shocks, compounding problems for the population.