Niger: Business Environment, Risks, and Market Opportunities

Country overview:

IOA’s history of conducting research and providing consulting services on Niger informs the insights we offer on all aspects of the country’s economy, politics and society. Our economists have noted that while the country possesses one of the world’s largest uranium deposits and has other mineral reserves, the largely impoverished population survives on subsistence agriculture. A military coup d’état in 2023 prompted international sanctions, leading to shortages in medicines and other suffering in 2024, as a defiant junta reduced national security and economic advantages by pulling out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The regional body condemned the coup, which reversed decades of progress toward democracy necessary for economic improvement. By 2025, the junta under Abdourahamane Tchiani consolidated power, dissolved political parties, and formalised a five-year transition while deepening ties with non-Western partners and nationalising key resource projects, even as insecurity and institutional weakness persisted.

Despite these serious challenges, the country’s economic potential still remains considerable. 2025 has seen Niger’s oil exports rise sharply via the Agadem oil field and Niger-Benin pipeline, overcoming past political hurdles. Exploration gains and key regional partnerships boost prospects. Monitoring the return to civilian rule is vital, as it promises major rapprochement with regional governments and the international community.

Tips on doing business in Niger:

Starting a business:

• Companies have the right to own businesses and real estate in the country, with certain caveats. Though foreigners are allowed full ownership of locally incorporated businesses, this does not extend to companies in the extractives industry, where the state reserves the right to claim up to 33% ownership, Niger technically allows for foreign property ownership either through holding a controlling stake in a holding company or through the purchase of a 99-year lease
  (Read more at: https://niger.dk/business-and-investment-opportunities/)

Doing business:

• Prior to the Coup d’Etat in 2023, the Nigerien government had been taking steps to streamline the business process for foreign investors. These included steps such as launching the Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur, a system which helped streamline both imports and exports
• The small local market size, limited infrastructure, skills shortages, and compliance risks around the extensive local use of child labour are persistent challenges. Furthermore, armed conflict in the country and the July 2023 coup by pro-Russian local army officers led to the imposition of sanctions and considerably strained relations with former export partners
• Investor interest has increased in energy and export infrastructure because of new oil flows, but many international investors remain cautious pending clearer signals on the political timeline, security, and the legal/regulatory environment under the junta. Multilateral finance and donors are selectively re-engaging in infrastructure and energy projects, but aid and financing often remain politically conditional

Culture and society:

• Islam is the majority religion in Niger and foreigners should therefore take care not to offend local sensibilities. When interacting with locals, e.g., when receiving something or shaking a hand it is always recommended to use the right hand, as using the left is associated with uncleanliness. French knowledge is essential for operating in the country
• Niger is presently in the midst of a civil conflict between government forces and local militants. Extreme caution is advised as foreign visitors would be exposed to high risks of robbery, kidnapping, and falling victim to terrorist incidents