The International Monetary Fund says it had completed two programme reviews for Niger, paving the way for the immediate disbursement of about US$91 million to support the country’s economic reform agenda and climate resilience efforts.
The Fund’s Executive Board concluded the eighth review under Niger’s Extended Credit Facility and the fourth review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
Completion of the reviews unlocks roughly US$61 million under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), bringing total disbursements under the programme to about US$306 million since its launch.
An additional us$30 million was approved under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), raising total funding provided to Niger under that programme to approximately US$131 million.
The IMF said the financing is intended to help maintain macroeconomic stability, support private sector-led growth and finance investments aimed at reducing the country’s vulnerability to climate shocks.
“The programme continues to support Niger’s efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability and promote resilient and inclusive growth,” the IMF said in a statement following the board’s decision.
The institution added that implementation of reforms under the ECF-supported programme had remained broadly satisfactory, though it stressed that continued commitment by the authorities would be crucial to sustain progress.
In particular, the Fund said reforms were needed to reinforce the banking sector, improve fiscal management and strengthen economic governance.
Authorities were also encouraged to continue advancing policies aimed at fostering private sector development and expanding economic opportunities across the country.
Under the RSF arrangement, the IMF said Niger had completed the planned reform measures linked to the programme.
These reforms focus on strengthening the country’s ability to cope with climate-related shocks and mobilizing financing for climate investments.
The Sahel nation is highly vulnerable to extreme weather patterns, including droughts and flooding, which regularly threaten agricultural production and food security.
The RSF programme aims to support investments designed to protect infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience and safeguard livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
Despite ongoing challenges, Niger’s economy has shown solid growth in recent years.
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The IMF estimates that real gross domestic product expanded by 6.9 percent in 2025, driven partly by strong agricultural production that helped ease inflationary pressures.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Niger’s economy, employing a large share of the population and contributing significantly to national output.
However, the IMF warned that the country’s economic outlook remains exposed to several risks.
Security challenges in parts of the Sahel region continue to weigh on stability, while fluctuations in global commodity prices could affect public finances and trade balances.
The Fund also pointed to the possibility of declining external aid flows, as well as the persistent threat of climate shocks that can disrupt harvests and rural livelihoods.
To mitigate these risks, the IMF advised Niger’s authorities to prioritize concessional financing and maintain prudent borrowing policies in order to limit the risk of debt distress.
The institution also underscored the importance of strengthening governance and tackling corruption as part of broader structural reforms.
An anti-corruption diagnostic assessment currently underway is expected to be completed and published by June 2026, the IMF said.
Such measures are seen as important steps toward improving transparency, strengthening institutions and enhancing investor confidence.
Despite the challenges, the Fund said Niger’s medium-term economic outlook remained broadly favourable.
Economic growth is projected to remain robust, with real GDP expected to expand by around 6.7 percent in 2026 if reforms continue and external conditions remain supportive.
Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries despite possessing significant natural resources, including uranium and oil. The landlocked country relies heavily on agriculture and livestock, sectors that employ the majority of its population but remain highly vulnerable to droughts, floods and other climate shocks common in the Sahel region.
The country has faced persistent economic and security challenges over the past decade. Armed insurgencies linked to extremist groups operating in the Sahel and around the Lake Chad basin have strained government resources and disrupted economic activity in several regions.
Political instability has also complicated economic management. In 2023, Niger experienced a military takeover that led to tensions with several Western partners and the suspension of some international assistance. Despite this, multilateral financial institutions have continued to engage with the country to support macroeconomic stability and social spending.
Background to the IMF relationship with Niger
The International Monetary Fund has been a key partner in supporting Niger’s economic reforms through concessional lending programmes designed for low-income countries.
One of the main mechanisms is the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), which provides long-term financial support to countries implementing economic reform programmes aimed at stabilising public finances, strengthening institutions and promoting sustainable growth.
The IMF has also introduced newer instruments such as the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). This facility was created in 2022 to help vulnerable countries address longer-term structural challenges, particularly those linked to climate change and pandemic preparedness.
For Sahel countries like Niger, climate resilience has become an increasingly urgent priority. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall and desertification continue to threaten agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods across the region.
International partners have therefore sought to link financial support with reforms aimed at improving climate adaptation, strengthening infrastructure and expanding investment in sustainable development.
Niger’s economy has recorded relatively strong growth in recent years, partly supported by agricultural recovery and the gradual development of the oil sector. The country began exporting crude oil through a new pipeline linking its oil fields to the coast of neighbouring Benin, opening a potentially important new source of revenue.
However, the country remains heavily dependent on external financing and concessional loans to fund development projects and maintain fiscal stability.
Analysts say sustained reforms, improved governance and continued international support will be crucial for Niger to diversify its economy, reduce poverty and strengthen resilience to both economic and climate-related shocks.
