The new £299m road that's set to boost economy in one of Africa's poorest countries

A £299million road is set to be built in the West African landlocked country of Niger as part of an ambitious strategy to improve its road infrastructure and promote economic and social development. 

The route will spread over 171 miles, connecting the city of N’guigmi with Koulélé and Django.

Construction of the road link is hoped to improve transport connections in the southeast of the country, close to the border with Chad. 

It will also be vital for the oil supply route in Niger, providing a key economic boost for the country. 

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with high levels of poverty. In 2023, 48.4% of its population lived in extreme poverty, with low life expectancy and high infant mortality. 

Beyond the project’s logistical aspects, the road also aims to reduce inequalities between regions by allowing a fairer redistribution of revenues from oil and mining resources. 

As an extension of this policy, Niger’s Government recently approved the construction of four private-use airfields distributed along the oil corridor to Benin. These facilities aim to optimise access to pipelines and facilitate their maintenance. 

The World Bank considers the oil sector as a key lever for Niger’s economic growth. By developing suitable infrastructure, the country intends to maximise the benefits of this industry while strengthening its attractiveness to foreign investors.

Covering almost 490,000 square miles, Niger is the largest landlocked country in West Africa and the second largest on the continent behind Chad. Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara Desert. 

The capital Niamey is located in Niger’s southwest corner along the namesake Niger River.

As a whole, Niger’s infrastructure is challenged by poor road conditions, limited access to power and climate change. Its roads are often dangerous and poorly maintained. The country has one of the lowest road densities in Africa. 

While Niger has made progress in reforming its water supply, climate change is expected to increase the frequency of flooding and road degradation. Currently, only 8% of the population has access to electricity, and Niger regularly spends more than it can afford. 

Since obtaining independence in 1960, Niger has experienced five coups d’état and four periods of military rule. Following the most recent coup in 2023, the country is again under a military junta.

According to a UN report in 2023, Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world.

It faces challenges to development due to its landlocked position, desert terrain, low literacy rate, jihadist insurgencies and the world’s highest fertility rates due to low usage of birth control and rapid population growth as a result.