Niger’s economy should grow this year by 5.2% against 3.5% in 2015, mostly as a result of better performances in agriculture and higher mining and oil output, International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a statement published on May 10, 2016.

“In the mid-term, economic outlook remains favorable but is still exposed to major internal and external risks. Real GDP should grow to 5.2% in 2016, driven by agriculture and reflecting increase in mining and oil output,” said Cheikh Anta Gueye, head of an IMF delegation which was in Niamey from April 25 to May 9, 2016.

“GDP’s growth should reach 6% in average between 2017 and 2019, mainly due to the expansion of extractive industries and higher public and private investments,” he added.

After surging to 7% in 2014, driven by agriculture and services, Niger’s Gross% in 2015%, as results in agriculture were lower and outputs in oil and mine industries also slumped.

Among major risks to which Niger’s economy is faced, IMF counts the negative impact of regional conflicts, natural disasters and financial challenges in the region.

Uranium producer, Niger often suffers deadly attacked orchestrated by Nigerian militants group Boko Haram.