Economy of Niger

The agricultural economy is based largely upon internal markets, subsistence agriculture, and the export of raw commodities: foodstuffs and cattle to neighbors. Foreign exchange earnings from livestock, although difficult to quantify, are considered the second source of export revenue behind mining and oil exports. Niger's agricultural and livestock sectors are the mainstay of all but 18% of the population. Fourteen percent of Niger's GDP is generated by livestock production (camels, goats, sheep, and cattle), which supports 29% of the population. Thus, 53% of the population is actively involved in crop production. The 15% of Niger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern border with Nigeria.

The Niger mining industry is the main source of national exports, with uranium being the largest export. However, the persistent uranium price slump has led to lower revenues for Niger's uranium sector, though it still provides 72% of national export proceeds. As of 2007, many licenses have been sold to other companies from countries such as India, China, Canada, and Australia to exploit new deposits. In 2013, the government of Niger sought to increase its uranium revenue by subjecting the two mining companies to a 2006 Mining Law. In addition to uranium, exploitable deposits of gold are known to exist in Niger in the region between the Niger River and the border with Burkina Faso. The reserves at the location were estimated at 10,073,626 tons at an average grade of 2.21 grams per ton, from which 19,200 kilograms will be recovered over a six-year mine life.

Transport is crucial to the economy and culture of this vast landlocked nation, with cities separated by huge uninhabited deserts, mountain ranges, and other natural features. Primary or paved road systems are limited to bigger cities or connections between major cities. In 2012, there was a 19,675-kilometer (12,225 mi) road network throughout Niger, of which 4,225 kilometers (2,625 mi) were paved. Air transport is mainly concentrated in Niamey. Niger's only international airport is Diori Hamani International Airport, located in the capital, Niamey. Other airports in Niger include the Mano Dayak International Airport in Agadez city and Zinder Airport in Zinder city, but as of January 2015, they were not regularly serviced by any carriers. In 2014, construction for the railway extension connecting Niamey (Niger) to Cotonou via Parakou (Benin) began and was expected to be completed by 2016. It includes the construction of 574 kilometers (357 mi) of new railway from Niamey to connect to the existing line in Parakou (Benin).

Niger also gets partial access to hydroelectric power from dams created alongside the Niger River. Hydroelectric power contributes about 280 megawatts (MW) to Niger's energy collectively from several hydropower sources, including 130 MW from the Kandadji Dam, 122.5 MW from the River Niger in Gambou, and 26 MW from Dyondyonga in Mekrou. Getting renewable energy via hydropower has proven controversial due to the reliance on rainfall. Additionally, these hydroelectric power dams generate energy for Niger via Nigeria. Solar energy has also been used to provide energy access. Niger has the potential to provide sustainable and renewable energy access within the country, which would help increase its energy intake and cope with the growing demands of the population. Several projects have been discussed to make use of clean energy sources such as solar power, hydropower, grid power, and wind power. Many NGOs are working on funding projects to provide sustainable and renewable energy in parts of Africa.