ABOUT NIGER

Amongst all the countries in the African continent, Niger is the largest country in West Africa by area, and the 6th largest in Africa. It is the 54th most populous country in Africa as of 2025. The capital of Niger is Niamey, which is the highest populated city in the country. According to the report of the World Bank, Niger has been classified as a Low-Income Nation. The currency of Niger is the West African CFA franc (XOF). The population of Niger was approximately 23.7 million as of 2020, and is estimated to be over 27.9 million in 2025. The neighboring countries of Niger are Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin to the southwest, Mali to the northwest, Burkina Faso to the southwest, and Algeria to the northwest. The official language of the country is French, and Hausa is the most commonly spoken indigenous language. The majority of the Nigerien population practices Islam, but other religions such as Christianity and traditional beliefs are also followed. Currently, there are several international airports in Niger, including Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, with regular flights available from these airports to several parts of the world. As Niger is a landlocked country, it does not have direct access to the sea. However, it relies on the seaports of neighboring countries like Benin (Port of Cotonou) and Nigeria for its trade requirements.

The corporate tax rate for all corporate entities in Niger is generally 30%. Opesh Group of companies will be helping you in completing the Due Diligence process which includes financial planning, registration process, business options, and, if required, even helping you find a rental property for your office.

Establishing a business in Niger has to be done with utmost care, keeping in mind the laws of the country. The OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) uniform acts, to which Niger is a signatory, provide a harmonized legal framework for business activities. A foreign investor who is planning to start his business in Niger can form many different company types in the country, such as a Limited Liability Company (SARL), Public Limited Company (SA), or Partnership. A Limited Liability Company (SARL) formed and registered in Niger generally allows foreign investors to own 100% of the company.

In case an investor is planning to establish an SARL in Niger or a corporation business setup, Opesh Group will be helping you in taking the right decision for setting up your business in Niger, and we will also guide you about how to follow the procedure while formulating your company in Niger.

Types of Business which can be started in Niger:

• Mining: Niger possesses some of the world’s largest uranium deposits, along with significant gold, coal, and phosphate reserves. Mining is a cornerstone of the economy and offers substantial investment opportunities.
• Agriculture: Agriculture is the primary livelihood for the majority of the population. Opportunities exist in improving irrigation, introducing modern farming techniques, processing agricultural products (e.g., cereals, cowpeas), and livestock development.
• Energy: Given the growing energy demand and the government’s focus on diversifying its energy mix, there are opportunities in both traditional (oil and gas) and renewable energy (solar) sectors.
• Telecommunications: The telecommunications sector is expanding, with a demand for improved internet connectivity and digital services.
• Infrastructure: As a developing country, Niger has ongoing needs for infrastructure development, including roads, housing, and public utilities. This presents opportunities for construction and engineering companies.
• Livestock: Livestock farming is a major economic activity. Investment in meat processing, dairy production, and animal feed production can be lucrative.
• Trade and Commerce: As a hub in West Africa, there are opportunities in general trade, retail, and wholesale distribution of various goods.

Advantages of Starting Business in Niger:

• Abundant Natural Resources: Niger is rich in mineral resources, particularly uranium, offering significant potential for extraction and related industries.
• Young and Growing Population: With a very young population, Niger has a large and expanding workforce, potentially offering a readily available labor pool.
• Strategic Location (Regional Trade): Despite being landlocked, Niger’s central location in West Africa positions it as a potential hub for regional trade, connecting with neighboring countries.
• Government Focus on Economic Diversification: The Nigerien government is actively seeking to diversify its economy beyond reliance on uranium, creating opportunities in other sectors like agriculture and energy.
• OHADA Membership: Being a member of OHADA provides a harmonized and relatively stable legal framework for business, which can simplify operations for foreign investors.
• Untapped Markets: Many sectors in Niger are still underdeveloped, offering opportunities for businesses with less competition to establish a strong market presence.

Business Opportunities for Indians in Niger:

There are business opportunities in Niger for new investors who are planning to start their business abroad. Niger has opened its doors for foreign businesses and foreign investors. In Niger, there are vast business opportunities for investors. They can invest in mining, agriculture, infrastructure, and potentially in the emerging renewable energy sector. The hydrocarbon and mining industries have seen investments from various parts of the world. Some sectors are seemingly less touched and have immense potential, which can not only open new doors for the investors to explore but give them good ROI.

Imports & Exports:

Many goods are imported and exported from Niger. Imports and exports business is an ever-growing business in any country; however, you need to do proper R&D before investing in that product which you can import or export. You need to check whether that product is suitable for your target market and how much revenue you will be able to generate from that market.

Major items which are exported from Niger to India:

• Uranium
• Oil & Mineral Fuels
• Ores
• Precious Stones & Metals

Major items which are imported in Niger from India:

• Pharmaceutical products
• Vehicles
• Machinery and equipment
• Cereals (like rice)
• Textiles
• Chemicals

Manufacturing:

Opportunities exist in manufacturing related to local resources, such as food processing from agricultural produce, or producing construction materials for infrastructure projects.

Mining:

The mining business is one of the most significant ventures in Niger due to its rich mineral deposits, particularly uranium. Investing in this sector can be highly profitable.

Major Indian companies which are currently working in Niger:

(Specific Indian companies with major publicly reported operations in Niger are not as widely available as in some other African countries. However, Indian companies involved in mining, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals in other parts of Africa may explore opportunities in Niger. For precise information, a targeted search for specific Indian companies’ presence in Niger would be required.)

• GDP = $16.82 billion (2023)
• GDP Growth = 2.5% (2023)
• Ease of doing business rank = 157 (2020)
• GDP per Capita = $540.58 (2023)

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