Invest in Times

Nigerien subsoil is rich in mineral resources. It contains significant reserves of uranium, iron, phosphates, coal, salt, natron, gold, limestone, gypsum, etc. Uranium potential The primary uranium deposits are found in the Air region. Geological resources are estimated at 363,000 tonnes. Seven permits are in operation, 89 exploration permits, 135 applications for research permits 327 free Coal potential. The primary coal deposits are in the Aïr region and the Ader Doutchi region. Geological resources are estimated at: 11.4 million tonnes in the Air region. Thirty million tonnes in the region of Ader Doutchi. One operating permit, 2 exploration permits, 1 request for an exploration permit, and 48 free iron potential The primary iron deposits in middle Niger are those of Say, Kollo, Ader Doucthi and Damagaram mounio. The geological iron resources of the Termit (ZINDER) and Agadem massifs are estimated at 8 billion tonnes. No permits were issued for iron, five pending applications and 34 free. The Ader Doutchi Phosphate potential: geological phosphate resources are estimated at over 7 million tonnes. It should also be remembered that Niger, with an agro-pastoral vocation, needs about 70,000t of fertiliser each year, which will increase to more than 100,000t in the future, given the current growth in the number of mouths to feed. W Park region: Proven reserves of around 207,462,533 tonnes of ore. Possible reservations: 374. 025,097 tons. Geological reserves are estimated at 1,254,552 tons of ore Liptako Gold potential: The geological gold resources are found in the Birimian greenstone belts of the liptako. Important indices are currently being studied in the regions of saoura, koulbaga, Tialkam, Deba, Tiawa, KomaBangou, and Sefa Nangue by several mining research companies. Damagaram Mounio and South Maradi: Significant gold showings are reported south of Gouré (Ngaarba showing) and in the superficial levels of the sandy alluviums of Goulbi Maradi and Gabi. During airborne surveys in 2006 by FUGRO, significant anomalies on shear zones were detected Aïr: Indices were reported in the granite formations of Tarouadji, in inclusions in cassiterite or quartz crystals; one reports there the update of a nugget of 10g / t and also in the Tafassasset. – 2 operating permits, 15 research permits are granted, 22 applications and 46 free.

Invest in petroleum

Niger, an oil-producing country since November 2011, has an oil potential linked to two large sedimentary basins which cover 90% of the national territory; basins are likely to harbour hydrocarbons (gaseous, liquid or solid). Niger, in collaboration with Algeria and Nigeria, is considering the construction of the Nigeria-Niger-Algeria trans-Saharan gas pipeline to transport hydrocarbons to Europe. The Niger oil register has four licensed blocks (KAFRA, BILMA, TENERE and AGADEM). The Agadem block has been in operation since November 2011. Thirty-four blocks are free. Thirty research permit applications are currently being examined.

Invest in energy

In terms of energy, Niger plans to: Promote hydropower at the Kandadji dam with a 130 MW power station on the river; The construction of a 2nd coal-fired power station in Salkadamna. The feasibility study is in the final stages. The potential is estimated to be between 200 and 500 MW. Promotion of solar power plants.

Invest in industry

The priority agricultural programs proposed for the search for additional investments by 2015 are: Construction of 40,000 ha, under irrigation, including 10,000 ha of old perimeters to be rehabilitated, 10,000 ha of perimeters to be created, 10,000 ha of small new community perimeters (including 1,000 ha for women and 9,000 ha for small family farmers) and 10,000 ha of agro-business perimeters (open to private investors); Achievement of fodder productions on 10,000 ha and the creation of 500 modern livestock farms (open to investors); acquisition of agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, phytosanitary products, etc.) and production equipment (irrigation equipment, tractors, millet, sorghum and rice threshers, rice and peanut huskers; straw choppers, multifunctional platforms, etc.); the construction and / or rehabilitation of 300 water mobilization structures (dams, artificial ponds, spreading thresholds) with multiple uses (agriculture, livestock, fishing, DWS, etc.) and 20 deep agricultural boreholes; the construction / rehabilitation of 20 livestock markets (including a large market on the border with Nigeria), 20 cereal markets, 30 marketing counters, 150 purchasing and marketing centers and the construction of 1,500 km of feeder road; Cash crops are a potential for agro-industry, agro-business and export. Cowpea: Niger was the leading producer in the sub-region, with 1,517,142 tonnes in 2011. Onion: Niger is the top producer and exporter in the sub-region, producing nearly 600,000 tonnes in 2011. The purple variety of Galmi, specific to Niger, is more popular because of its unique spicy taste. Its aptitude for conservation and processing gives this variety exportable potential with interesting dry matter content. Tigernuts: Niger produces two types of tiger nuts (big nutsedge and small nutsedge) with significant processing skills. With a production of 32,470 tonnes in 2008, the sector is full of potential in terms of production and demand in Europe, particularly in Spain, where tiger nuts are used in the food industry as a substitute for malt in breweries, confectionery and pastry-making. Sesame: Sesame production (emerging sector) is booming because of its economic importance and sales opportunities on the market and its ability to withstand drought. Its market is booming across the world. This boom is justified by increased areas and production between 2009 and 2010.

In 2010, production reached 85,000 tonnes and 88,517 tonnes in 2011, with an average yield of 500 kg/ha. Opportunities for intensification and improvement of yields exist with popularised varieties with a potential of 1.3 tonnes per hectare. Groundnuts: Groundnuts are produced in all regions, with dominance in Zinder, Maradi and Dosso. Since 2006, a revival of groundnut production has been observed, which is justified by an average increase in production of + 99% between 2006-2010 (DS / MAG) with an average yield of around 500 kg/ha. Gum arabic: local production exceeds 4000 tonnes. It is likely to increase to meet growing global demand. Exports are expected to quadruple in the coming years. Other market gardening crops such as garlic and peppers are also promising sectors. The IRRIGATION program will make it possible to increase production capacities by developing an area of 71,100 ha. Particular emphasis will be placed on crops with high nutritional and market value, particularly cereals and industrial crops.

Invest in Tourism and Hotels

Niger is divided into 8 regions: Niamey, Agadez, Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillabéry, Zinder and Diffa. Each has certain natural assets and comparative advantages in vestiges of secular civilisations such as archaeology, history, traditional architecture, culture, Parks and Protected Areas, fauna, flora, and the arts. And crafts, etc. Thus, the Nigerien tourist product is centred on three destinations: « Saharan Tourism » in the North with the Blue Mountain Massif of Aïr, the Kawar Oases, the Citadel of Djado and the vast and mythical deserts of Ténéré, Termit and Tal, Rock Engravings, Dinosaur Cemeteries, Addax Sanctuary, Agadez Mosque, Tafadek Thermal Spring, Handicrafts, etc. « River tourism » in the Niger River valley is also an important tourist attraction with the National Museum, classified as a Unesco world heritage site, the Cultural and Ritual Events, the Parc du W, the last specimens of giraffes in West African freedom, unspoiled tropical vegetation, as well as a wide variety of birdlife and wildlife. “Cultural tourism” is dominant in the Center -East of Niger and presents a rich cultural and artisanal diversity. Lands of great African empires like that of Kanem Bornou, of the Hausa City – States and of the Peulh empire of Sokoto or of influential sultanates like that of Damagaram.

For the exploitation and enhancement of these potentialities, the government plans to: The Construction of a 5 Star Hotel Complex in Niamey in the Diori Hamani International Airport Zone; The Construction of a Luxury Hotel on the Right Bank (5th Arrondissement) of Niamey; The concession of the Gaweye hotel in Niamey; The Construction of a High Standing Restaurant in Niamey; Development of the Tal Desert Tourist Site (DIFFA); The Tourist Development of the Waters of the Thermal Spring site of TAFADEK (AGADEZ); The valuation of the Albarkaïzé pond (DOSSO); The creation of a training centre for hospitality and tourism trades; The design of a modern ceramic and pottery unit in Boubon. All these projects can be carried out within the framework of a public-private partnership. The Construction of a Luxury Hotel on the Right Bank (5th Arrondissement) of Niamey; The concession of the Gaweye hotel in Niamey; The Construction of a High Standing Restaurant in Niamey; Development of the Tal Desert Tourist Site (DIFFA); The Tourist Development of the Waters of the Thermal Spring site of TAFADEK (AGADEZ); The valuation of the Albarkaïzé pond (DOSSO); The creation of a training centre for hospitality and tourism trades; The creation of a modern ceramic and pottery unit in Boubon. All these projects can be carried out within the framework of a public-private partnership. The Construction of a Luxury Hotel on the Right Bank (5th Arrondissement) of Niamey; The concession of the Gaweye hotel in Niamey; The Construction of a High Standing Restaurant in Niamey; Development of the Tal Desert Tourist Site (DIFFA); The Tourist Development of the Waters of the Thermal Spring site of TAFADEK (AGADEZ); The valuation of the Albarkaïzé pond (DOSSO); The creation of a training centre for hospitality and tourism trades; The creation of a modern ceramic and pottery unit in Boubon. All these projects can be carried out within the framework of a public-private partnership. The Tourist Development of the Waters of the Thermal Spring site of TAFADEK (AGADEZ); The valuation of the Albarkaïzé pond (DOSSO); The creation of a training centre for hospitality and tourism trades; The creation of a modern ceramic and pottery unit in Boubon. All these projects can be carried out within the framework of a public-private partnership. The Tourist Development of the Waters of the Thermal Spring site of TAFADEK (AGADEZ); The valuation of the Albarkaïzé pond (DOSSO); The creation of a training centre for hospitality and tourism trades; The creation of a modern ceramic and pottery unit in Boubon. All these projects can be carried out within the framework of a public-private partnership.

Invest in Craftmanship

The banking sector, made up of 10 commercial banks and an agricultural bank, also offers opportunities for the creation of investment and housing banks and the increase in the banking rate and the geographical coverage of the country. In terms of insurance, the sector is underexploited, with only four companies for a dynamic market. Niger is considering the creation of commercial banks and insurance establishments of all kinds to facilitate transactions with investors, mainly British and American investors.