The Fonds national d'appui aux petites et moyennes entreprises et industries (FONAP) has signed two partnership agreements with the Agence du Salon international de l'artisanat pour la femme (SAFEM) and the Chambre des métiers de l'artisanat du Niger (CMANI) to promote entrepreneurship in Niger. The agreements aim to support artisans, particularly women entrepreneurs, by providing access to financing, training, and commercial promotion. The partnerships were signed on October 27, 2026, in Niamey.
The first agreement between FONAP and SAFEM will facilitate the participation of women entrepreneurs in the Salon international de l'artisanat pour la femme, a platform for promoting and commercializing their products. The second agreement with CMANI focuses on identifying eligible artisans for support, strengthening their skills, and providing access to financing and formalization of their activities.
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Mamane Laouali Abdou Rafa, emphasized the importance of craftsmanship in Niger's cultural heritage and economic development. He noted that the partnerships demonstrate the collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Craftsmanship and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The Minister encouraged FONAP, SAFEM, and CMANI to work together to implement the partnerships effectively.
The Minister of Tourism and Craftsmanship, Guichène Kari Aghaichata, highlighted the potential of Niger's craftsmanship sector to drive economic growth, create jobs, and empower women. She noted that the partnerships align with the government's refoundation efforts, led by President Abdourahamane Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
Minister Aghaichata emphasized the need to address obstacles to entrepreneurship, improve access to financing, and enhance the competitiveness of Niger's artisans. She welcomed FONAP's commitment to supporting the craftsmanship sector and praised SAFEM and CMANI for their contributions to promoting Niger's artisanal skills.
The partnerships aim to promote the growth of Niger's entrepreneurship sector, particularly among women and young people. By providing access to financing, training, and commercial promotion, the agreements are expected to boost the competitiveness of Niger's artisans and contribute to the country's economic development.
The implementation of the partnerships will require close collaboration between FONAP, SAFEM, and CMANI. The Minister of Economy and Finance emphasized the need for effective implementation, and the Minister of Tourism and Craftsmanship called on stakeholders to work together to achieve the goals of the partnerships.
Key points
- Niger's FONAP signs partnerships with SAFEM and CMANI to support artisans and entrepreneurs
- The partnerships aim to promote entrepreneurship, particularly among women and young people
- The agreements will provide access to financing, training, and commercial promotion for Niger's artisans
