• Niger grants incentives for a $9 million private education project in Niamey
• The investment targets modern infrastructure and over 100 permanent jobs
• The project supports efforts to improve education quality and access

Niger’s government has approved tax and administrative incentives for Société Institut Polytechnique Athena SARLU to build and operate a new education facility in Niamey. The decision, taken at the Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, January 23, aligns with the country’s strategy to attract private investment and improve education quality.

Under the draft decree, “the company commits to investing more than CFA5 billion, about $9 million, and to creating more than 100 permanent jobs as well as several temporary positions.” The institute plans to develop modern infrastructure, offer programs aligned with national and regional standards, and provide a learning environment that meets the government’s expectations for public-private partnerships.

The initiative comes as Niger’s education system continues to face major challenges. Despite progress in access to primary education, more than half of children aged 7 to 16 remain out of school, and only 20% of students complete secondary education. Retention rates and education quality remain low, while the humanitarian and security crisis, which regularly forces school closures, further restricts access to learning.

Against this backdrop, the authorities are stepping up efforts to modernize the education sector. Recent measures include the distribution of more than 38,000 computer devices to strengthen learning environments nationwide. The Athena Polytechnique Institute project highlights the role of private sector investment in training and job creation, complementing public initiatives in a sector that is critical to Niger’s economic and social development.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou