African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine signed a $144.7 million financing agreement to enhance energy access and private sector competitiveness.

The fund supports Phase 1 of the Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC), aiming to raise electricity access from 22.5 per cent to 30 per cent by 2026 and increase GDP contribution from manufacturing.

It emphasises on social inclusion for vulnerable groups and renewable energy in rural electrification.