At a bustling market in Niamey, Rakia Abdou, a mother of five, bargains fiercely for a sack of rice—an essential commodity that inflation has made unaffordable for many in Niger.
“Prices of local food are decreasing slightly, but imported products remain costly,” she shared at Wadata market, her words carried by the Harmattan winds of West Africa.
Despite sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) being lifted nearly a year ago, the financial strain continues to weigh heavily on Niger’s 26 million residents.
The sanctions, enforced after the 2023 military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, disrupted supply chains and caused food prices to soar.
Persistent Challenges and Rising Costs
Although inflation peaked at 15.5% in mid-2024, it remains elevated at 5.4% according to World Bank projections for 2025–2026.
Much of the increase stems from border closures with Benin, which historically handled 80% of Niger’s freight through its ports.
Niger accuses Benin of hosting jihadist camps, resulting in alternative trade routes through Togo and Burkina Faso. These new routes add months to delivery times and heighten costs due to security risks.
“It takes two to three months to reach Niamey, with high costs and risks despite military escorts,” said Idrissou Issoufou, a Ghanaian truck driver.
Adapting to the Crisis
For many Nigeriens, inflation has forced drastic lifestyle changes.
“With 10,000 CFA francs, you used to fill a shopping basket. Now, it’s half empty,” lamented Hadjia Hadjara.
Mahaman Nouri from the Association of Consumers’ Rights highlighted that people are turning to traditional dishes and locally sourced ingredients to cope with the crisis. “We must prioritize local products,” he urged.
To ease the burden, Niger’s military government implemented measures such as halving medical consultation fees, reducing fuel and cement costs, and distributing food to the most vulnerable. The government also banned cereal exports to avoid domestic shortages.
Economic Resilience Amidst Challenges
Despite the tough economic climate, Niger’s economy is projected to grow by 6.5% in 2025–2026, thanks to agriculture and oil exports. However, the World Bank warns that if inflation persists, nearly half the population could fall into extreme poverty.
The government remains committed to restoring stability. “These proactive measures demonstrate resilience and a commitment to sovereignty,” noted Han Fraeters, the World Bank’s country manager for Niger.
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