The International Monetary Fund has reached a staff-level agreement with Niger on a new 38-month economic support programme worth approximately 203 million dollars, as the West African country seeks to strengthen economic stability, improve public finances and accelerate development.
The agreement follows discussions between an IMF delegation led by Julia Bersch and Nigerien authorities during a visit to Niamey from September 28 to October 8, 2026. According to the IMF, the agreement remains subject to approval by the Fund’s Executive Board, with a meeting expected in early December.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the proposed programme will provide access to 150.02 million Special Drawing Rights, equivalent to 114 per cent of Niger’s IMF quota. If approved, the arrangement will support the government’s reform agenda and help address the country’s external financing needs.
The IMF says approval of the new programme, alongside completion of the final review of the existing Extended Credit Facility arrangement, would enable a further disbursement of approximately 36 million dollars.
Economic growth in Niger is projected to remain strong, reaching seven per cent in 2026 and 6.7 per cent in 2027. The IMF attributes the expected expansion mainly to agriculture and the extractive sector, while public investment is also projected to support growth over the medium term.
However, the Fund warns that the outlook remains vulnerable to security challenges and climate-related shocks, which could undermine production, investment and economic activity.
Inflation is projected to average minus 2.5 per cent in 2026 before rising to 2.2 per cent in 2027. Although higher crude oil prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East have strengthened Niger’s fiscal and external balances, increased transportation costs are placing pressure on households, particularly vulnerable communities already affected by high food and fuel prices.
The country’s fiscal deficit is projected at 3.4 per cent of gross domestic product in 2026. The IMF says the spending plan accommodates reconstruction following natural disasters in the previous year, alongside support for vulnerable households facing rising living costs.
Nigerien authorities are also using part of the additional oil revenue to rebuild financial reserves, while maintaining cautious borrowing policies and prioritising concessional loans and grants.
The IMF notes that the existing economic programme has helped Niger maintain macroeconomic stability and improve its fiscal and external positions despite significant economic shocks. Performance against targets set for the end of June 2026 was described as strong, while efforts to clear outstanding domestic and external arrears have continued.
The proposed new programme will focus on strengthening revenue collection, protecting debt sustainability, improving public financial management and reinforcing the stability of the financial sector.
It is also designed to encourage private-sector-led growth, accelerate economic transformation and expand opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through a World Bank-supported initiative.
The reforms form part of Niger’s 2025 to 2029 development strategy, known as the Programme for the Refoundation of the Republic. The government has also committed to improving governance, accountability and transparency while promoting social cohesion.
During the mission, the IMF delegation met Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Economy and Finance Minister Maman Laouali Abdou, the National Director of the Central Bank of West African States, Mahaman Tahir Hamani, and other government officials, private-sector representatives and development partners.
Although the growth projections point to a positive economic outlook, Niger’s ability to sustain progress will depend on managing security threats, climate risks, debt pressures and the rising cost of living.
The final decision on the proposed financing now rests with the IMF Executive Board.
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