The Nigerien government, led by Prime Minister Mahaman Ali Lamine Zeine, convened a high-level roundtable with technical and financial partners on November 11, 2026, to address the challenges facing the Programme Kandadji. The program, launched two decades ago, aims to increase food production, generate electricity, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Located 189 kilometers northwest of Niamey, the project involves constructing a dam on the Niger River and a hydroelectric power plant with a 130 MW capacity.
The Programme Kandadji is a vital initiative for Niger, with multiple objectives, including ensuring access to clean water, regulating the Niger River, producing affordable energy, and irrigating 45,000 hectares of agricultural land. However, the project has faced significant delays, with the prime minister acknowledging that it has accumulated too much backlog. The government attributes the delays to various factors, including the multiplicity of stakeholders, complex rules and procedures, difficulties in executing works, and the security context.
The current estimated cost of the Programme Kandadji stands at $1.561 billion, with $1 billion already secured from partners. This leaves a funding gap of approximately $561 million, which the government aims to bridge through the roundtable discussions. The prime minister urged partners to make concrete commitments, specifying that each partner should indicate their envisaged contribution, with a clear timeline and amount.
The Programme Kandadji aims to transform Niger's agricultural and energy sectors. The project includes developing 45,000 hectares of irrigated perimeters and improving the management of the Niger River. Upon completion, it is expected to have a significant impact on food security, employment, and economic growth in the region. The prime minister emphasized that the Nigerien people have been waiting for the project for a long time and that it is essential to turn this long wait into tangible results.
The roundtable discussions are expected to yield concrete actions, with the prime minister requesting that partners provide specific, quantified, and dated commitments to cover the funding gap. A roadmap will be adopted, outlining responsibilities, deadlines, and a coordination mechanism. A joint government-partner team will monitor progress, with a first review scheduled before the end of the year.
The Programme Kandadji has the potential to significantly improve the lives of Nigeriens, particularly in the areas of agriculture, energy, and employment. The project's success relies on the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the government, technical partners, and financial institutions. The prime minister's call for concrete actions and commitments reflects the urgency and importance of delivering this critical project.
As the Programme Kandadji moves forward, the Nigerien government and its partners face a critical window of opportunity to make meaningful progress. With a clear roadmap and committed funding, the project can overcome the existing challenges and realize its objectives, ultimately benefiting the people of Niger.
Key points
- The Programme Kandadji requires an additional $561 million in funding to complete, which the Nigerien government aims to secure through the roundtable discussions with technical and financial partners.
