Promoting economic development and employment in Niger

Context

Niger’s labour market faces challenges. The country has the world’s highest population growth, as a result of which 250,000 people enter the labour market each year. However, employment opportunities are limited.

Informal businesses account for more than 90 per cent of the private sector. The quality of technical vocational education and training (TVET) is poor and training content is not sufficiently tailored to the requirements of the labour market. Underemployment, in-work poverty, a lack of career prospects and gender inequality affect young people in particular.

Objective

The employment and income situation of young people and economic actors has improved in three regions in Niger.

Approach

The project holds seminars and training courses that promote employment and income. This improves social cohesion in the long term.

From 2021 to 2024, the project was implemented in the regions of Agadez, Zinder and Tillabéri, with the European Union (EU) providing cofinancing in the latter region. Since 2025, further EU cofinancing has enabled project activities in the regions of Agadez, Maradi and Niamey, focusing on areas including vocational training and integration into the labour market.

The project operates in four fields of activity:

1. Laying the foundations for implementing policies and strategies for employment and economic development (completed).

2. Improving the range of training and vocational guidance offered (implemented by GOPA Consulting Group up to May 2024).

3. Expanding economic activities.

4. Creating more business development services for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Last updated: October 2025