尼日尔投资环境介绍

Demographic Information: Niger has an estimated population of 22.77 million comprising mostly of younger population (less than 25 years) which makes up about 70.6% of the population, those in the age bracket of 25-64 years makes up about 26.7% of the population and above 65 years age group makes up about 2.7% of the population. Average population density is estimated at 19 inhabitants/km2. In terms of human development indicators, it has a life expectancy of 60.8 years (Women) and 57.8 years (Men). It achieved universal primary education with a 66.42% Primary enrolment rate in 2019 and overall literacy level of 19.1% as at 2015.

Broad Economic Overview: Niger’s economy is heavily reliant on a few natural resources (gold, uranium, oil and gas, iron, phosphates, coal, limestone, gypsum, cassiterite,) and agriculture. Agriculture makes up almost 25% of the country’s GDP and provides livelihoods for 87% of the population. Niger possesses invaluable potential in renewable energy, it is the 5th sunniest country in the world and Hydropower sites on the Niger River basin could represent up to 280 MW. It is the world’s fourth largest producer of uranium. Niger’s crude oil production is currently limited due to lack of pipeline. The country refinery’s capacity is limited  to 20,000 barrels per day. However, the beginning of construction of a 2,000 km pipeline by the China National Petroleum Corporation to transport crude oil to the port of Seme Terminal in Benin may act as an investment catalyst and enable Niger to become an exporter by 2022.   The country’s growth has been resilient to terrorist attacks risk, risk of low uranium export prices and climate change risk affecting agriculture. It recorded 5.9% real GDP growth in 2019 having achieved a 5.4% compound annual GDP growth in the past 5 years. Its currency is CFA franc which is pegged to the euro and has maintained stable inflation rate over the past years.  Main exports include livestocks, cowpeas, onions and uranium. Major imports include petroleum product, foodstuffs, cereals, vehicle, and machinery.

Investment Opportunities: Niger’s compliance with three-year structural reform programme agreed with the IMF in January 2017 under the Extended Credit Facility is reassuring investors. The government has undertaken major reforms to provide an attractive institutional, tax and legal framework for investments and to improve business climate. Niger has vast land areas suitable for the development of more intensive agro- and pastoral-business. Progress in major infrastructure projects, such as the Kandadji Dam and beginning construction of the pipeline for exporting oil, should support investment. Sectors providing investment opportunities include: agriculture, livestock, industry and handicraft, mining (uranium, coal, iron, gold, limestone, gypsum etc), energy, transport and infrastructure, and tourism.