Niger's Artisanal Sector Contributes 18% to GDP

The Nigerien Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Mme Guichene Kari Aghaichata, presided over the dissemination ceremony of the National Survey on the Handicraft Sector (ENSA2026) in Niamey on November 10, 2026. The survey revealed that the artisanal sector contributes 18% to the country's GDP, with a total value of over 3774 billion FCFA. This sector has 2899 073 registered artisans. The minister highlighted that this survey marks a significant step in understanding, organizing, and valorizing Niger's artisanal sector.

Mme Guichene Kari Aghaichata emphasized that the survey's results will help structure, accompany, and valorize the country's artisanal sector, which is a vital pillar of Niger's national economy. She noted that since 1992, no national survey of this magnitude had been conducted in the artisanal sector in Niger. The minister also stated that the initiative aligns with the country's refoundation dynamics, under the guidance of President General Abdourahamane Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.

The ENSA 2026 survey covered all eight regions of Niger and established indicators on artisanal units, artisan characteristics, employment, production, value added, marketing channels, and actors' needs. The survey was conducted with the support of the National Institute of Statistics, the Project for Harmonization and Improvement of Statistics in West and Central Africa (PHASAOC), and the World Bank. Mme Guichene Kari Aghaichata praised the collaboration between national institutions and development partners in strengthening Niger's statistical system.

The survey's results provide a clearer picture of the artisanal sector's reality, highlighting its challenges, including the predominance of informal units. About 94.9% of artisanal units operate in the informal sector, while only 3.7% are registered with the Niger Chamber of Crafts. The minister noted that the survey's findings will help address the needs expressed by artisanal units, including 66.9% of units requiring support.

The artisanal sector plays a significant role in Niger's economy and social life. Mme Guichene Kari Aghaichata stressed that the sector's valorization is crucial for the country's development. The survey's results will guide public action and inform policies aimed at supporting and promoting the artisanal sector.

The Nigerien government aims to leverage the survey's findings to improve the business environment and provide better support to artisans. The minister emphasized that the artisanal sector's development is a priority for the government, which seeks to promote economic growth and job creation.

The successful completion of the ENSA 2026 survey demonstrates the importance of collaboration between national institutions and international partners in strengthening Niger's statistical capacity. The survey's results will contribute to a better understanding of the artisanal sector and inform policies aimed at promoting its growth and development.

Key points

• The artisanal sector contributes 18% to Niger's GDP, with a value of over 3774 billion FCFA.