Niger

Niger has a population of approximately 28.8 million and a projected nominal GDP of around US$24.81 billion, representing about 1.9% of Africa's population but less than 1% of the continent's GDP. Despite its abundant natural resources, the country remains one of the poorest in the world, with a GDP per capita of around US$821.5 and more than half of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture remains the largest employer, while uranium has historically been the country's principal mineral resource and export earner.

The structure of Niger's economy is, however, changing rapidly. Commercial oil production from the Agadem Basin, together with the completion of the Niger–Benin Export Pipeline, has transformed crude oil into one of the country's fastest-growing economic sectors. Oil production reached approximately 37 million barrels in 2025 and is expected to approach production capacity of around 110,000 barrels per day, contributing to strong economic growth and creating an important new source of export earnings and government revenue.

At the same time, political developments continue to shape the outlook for the sector. Following the 2023 military takeover, Niger has pursued greater state control over its natural resources while redefining its regional relationships after withdrawing from ECOWAS and joining the Alliance of Sahel States. As a result, sustaining oil production, expanding export infrastructure and converting resource wealth into broader economic development have become central to the country's long-term economic strategy.

Niger's total energy supply is estimated at approximately 146.4 PJ, equivalent to just 5.8 GJ per capita, one of the lowest levels among APPO member countries. Electricity access remains equally limited, with only about 10% of the population connected to the grid and rural access remaining below 1%. Electricity consumption averaged just 63.2 kWh per capita in 2023, reflecting the country's limited electricity supply, low level of industrialisation, and constrained generation capacity.

The country's electricity supply is derived from a combination of thermal generation, coal and electricity imports. In 2025, electricity imports accounted for about 71% of total supply, while domestic thermal generation contributed around 23% and coal and other sources about 5-6%.Solar power remained negligible, contributing less than 1%. Despite being an oil producer, Niger continues to depend heavily on imported electricity because domestic generation capacity remains limited. Installed generation capacity has increased significantly from about 139 MW in 2016 to approximately 317MW, but ageing infrastructure and operational constraints continue to limit reliable electricity supply.

Although Niger possesses significant energy resources, much of its electricity potential remains underdeveloped. The Kandadji Hydroelectric Project, designed to provide 130 MW of generation capacity while supporting irrigation and water management, has experienced delays following recent political developments. The government nevertheless plans to expand installed generation capacity to around 850 MW by 2030, with renewable energy expected to account for about 30% of total capacity, while increasing electricity access to 80% of the population by 2035. Achieving these objectives will depend on continued investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure alongside a more stable operating environment.