• Niger seeks IMF technical aid for governance, transparency.
• IMF notes corruption, urges oil sector reforms.
• Strong 2024 GDP growth (10.3%), 2025 forecast 6.6%.

Niger has formally requested technical assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bolster its governance framework. This initiative comes as the Sahelian nation navigates a complex economic landscape, marked by persistent security challenges and budgetary pressures.

A delegation of IMF experts, led by Ha Vu, recently concluded a visit to Niamey, where they met with Nigerien Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Ms. Vu stated that Niger, as an IMF member, sought technical assistance to improve and strengthen governance, aligning with the IMF's policy of enhancing governance across all member countries. The assistance aims to help Nigerien authorities identify the most pertinent aspects for governance improvement within the country.

This request unfolds against a backdrop of economic strain. The military's assumption of power in July 2023 led to the dissolution of several oversight bodies, including the Court of Accounts and the public procurement regulatory committee. This move, according to recent IMF reports on Niger, has weakened transparency in public financial management. The IMF also highlights persistent corruption as a significant impediment to good governance, exacerbated by the country's heavy reliance on extractive resources such as oil, uranium, and gold.

In this context, the IMF views robust governance as a critical lever for reinforcing political stability, restoring donor confidence, and laying the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive economic development. The institution particularly emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen governance within the oil sector, where transparency and sound revenue management are paramount.

Despite these challenges, the IMF acknowledges efforts already undertaken by Nigerien authorities. In July 2025, the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement was extended for twelve months, until December 2026. This extension is intended to support the implementation of additional reforms and consolidate recent progress in governance.

Economically, Niger has demonstrated resilience. Driven by a rebound in oil exports and sustained agricultural production, GDP growth reached 10.3% in 2024. Projections for 2025 anticipate an expansion of 6.6%, with inflation expected to moderate to 4.2%, aligning with the norms of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

This article was initially published in French by Sandrine Gaingne

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum