The Nigerien government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Artisanal, has officially released the results of the 2026 National Artisanal Sector Survey (ENSA). The survey, which was conducted across the country's eight regions, aims to better understand, organize, and valorize Niger's artisanal sector. The minister of Tourism and Artisanal, Mme Guichène Kari Aghaichata, presented the findings, highlighting that this survey is the first of its kind since 1992.
The ENSA 2026 survey covered various aspects of the artisanal sector, including artisanal units, artisans' characteristics, employment, production, value added, marketing channels, and actors' needs. According to Mme Guichène Kari Aghaichata, the survey estimated the sector's production in 2025 to be 3,774.7 billion FCFA, with a gross value added of 2,222.3 billion FCFA, representing 18% of Niger's GDP. This value added represents 30% of the wealth produced by the popular economy.
The survey also revealed that the artisanal sector employs 2,899,073 people, with women making up 27.5% of the workforce. Mme Guichène Kari Aghaichata noted that 94.9% of artisanal units operate in the informal sector, with only 3.7% registered with the Chamber of Artisanal Crafts of Niger. The minister emphasized the need for progressive accompaniment to improve structuring and development capacity in the sector.
The survey identified several challenges facing the artisanal sector, including limited access to equipment, financing, and raw materials. Mme Guichène Kari Aghaichata stated that 66.9% of artisanal units require equipment, 47.1% need subsidies, and 36.6% need access to raw materials. The minister also highlighted the importance of improving access to larger markets, as over 94% of artisanal units currently sell their products in local and weekly markets.
The representative of the World Bank, M. Yélé Maweki Batana, emphasized the importance of the survey in providing detailed information on the profile of artisans and the economic and social significance of the artisanal sector in Niger. He noted that the results confirm the sector's essential role in employment, particularly for young people, women, and apprentices.
M. Maïna Abdou, representing the National Institute of Statistics, ensured that the institute will continue to work with the Ministry of Tourism and Artisanal to promote the appropriation of the survey results and strengthen statistical measurement of the popular economy. The survey was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Artisanal, the Chamber of Artisanal Crafts of Niger, and the National Institute of Statistics.
The release of the ENSA 2026 results marks a significant step towards better understanding and developing Niger's artisanal sector. The government and its partners are expected to use the findings to inform decision-making and develop targeted interventions to support the sector's growth and development.
Key points
- The 2026 National Artisanal Sector Survey estimated the sector's production in 2025 to be 3,774.7 billion FCFA.
- The artisanal sector employs 2,899,073 people, with women making up 27.5% of the workforce.
- 94.9% of artisanal units operate in the informal sector, with limited access to equipment, financing, and raw materials.
