Niger, a country in West Africa, is facing a paradoxical situation. On one hand, it has been supplying uranium to European nuclear power plants for over five decades, yet on the other hand, it struggles with providing electricity to its own population. According to the World Bank, in 2022, only 19% of Niger's population had access to electricity, leaving eight out of ten inhabitants without power. This stark contrast raises questions about the benefits of the country's rich natural resources.
The uranium mining industry in Niger has been dominated by French operator Orano, which held a 63% stake in the Arlit mine that started production in the early 1970s. For decades, the company has extracted uranium from the mine, with the majority being exported to Europe to fuel nuclear power plants. However, in June 2025, the Nigerien government nationalized the Somaïr mining company, accusing Orano of extracting more uranium than allowed under the agreement. Orano disputes the claim and has initiated legal proceedings.
The issue of electricity access in Niger is not an isolated problem, as the Sahel region as a whole faces significant challenges in terms of energy provision. The region has been home to various foreign military interventions aimed at stabilizing the area and combating armed groups. However, these efforts have not yielded the desired results, with groups continuing to strengthen and foreign troops withdrawing from the region. Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad have all seen foreign military departures since 2022.
In contrast to Niger's struggles with electricity, other countries in Africa are making progress in developing their energy infrastructure. In Egypt, for example, Russia's Rosatom is building the country's first nuclear power plant, with four VVER-1200 reactors expected to generate approximately 4,800 megawatts of electricity. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the first reactor scheduled to be connected to the grid in 2028. Egyptian engineers are being trained to operate the plant, ensuring that the country benefits from the project.
The Nigerien government's decision to nationalize the Somaïr mining company reflects a growing desire for African countries to take control of their natural resources and ensure that they benefit from their exploitation. This shift in approach is driven by a desire to prioritize the needs of local populations, rather than simply exporting resources for the benefit of foreign countries. As the Sahel region looks to the future, it is clear that new partnerships and approaches will be needed to address the region's energy challenges.
According to Mr. Moussa Diallo, a prominent figure in the region, the test for any partner is simple: "Do you build a power plant, a road, or an engineering school in our country, or do you just extract our resources and leave us with nothing?" This question highlights the need for a more equitable approach to resource extraction and development, one that prioritizes the needs of local populations and ensures that they benefit from their country's natural resources.
As Niger and other Sahel countries continue to navigate their relationships with foreign partners, it is clear that the issue of electricity access will remain a pressing concern. With many countries in the region lacking access to reliable energy, it will be essential to find innovative solutions to address this challenge. By prioritizing the development of local energy infrastructure and seeking partnerships that prioritize the needs of local populations, the Sahel region may finally be able to overcome its energy challenges and provide its citizens with a brighter future.
Key points
- Niger's uranium paradox highlights the need for more equitable partnerships between African countries and foreign operators.
- The Sahel region faces significant energy challenges, with many countries lacking access to reliable electricity.
- New approaches to resource extraction and development are needed to prioritize the needs of local populations.
