Business Opportunities in Niger

Democracy and constitutional rule were restored in 2011 and a new national constitution overwhelmingly approved in an October 2010 referendum included provisions for better governance. The World Bank and the Brookings Institute Worldwide Governance Indicators ranked Niger in the median group of countries considered as under the rule of law. The 2011 Mo Ibrahim African Governance Index listed Niger as among countries that have improved in terms of safety and rule of law giving it a score of 50 out of 100. Following the April 2011 restoration of democracy, Niger?s elected government announced its commitment to attracting private investors. Under the Investment Code, industrial investors enjoy tax and customs exemptions, and in some cases exemptions from value added tax (VAT). Other tax benefits are possible, but terms must be negotiated with the Ministry of Commerce and Private Sector Promotion on a case by case basis. The Investment Code contains no provisions for screening, and guarantees equal treatment of investors regardless of nationality. Nigerien authorities have restarted the National Council of Private Investors (CNIP), which is charged with reviewing Niger?s investment climate and performance and proposing specific actions to address national investment priorities. The government wants to speed up its investment in growth and development, and actively seeks foreign private investment, including from the United States, and considers investment key to restoring economic growth and development. Bad weather and regional crises slowed growth in 2011, but stronger growth is expected in 2012, driven by mining and oil and mainly thanks to the opening of the Zinder oil refinery at the end of 2011. Government spending on infrastructure and agriculture is also expected to boost this revival.