The economic activities in Niger are agriculture-dominated at 41.6% of GDP, with services at 38.7% and industry at 19.5%. What are the main economic activities in Niger? Millet, cowpeas and sorghum feed the primary sector, while uranium, gold and new oil exports grow. As of 2024, GDP reached about $19.88 billion. The economy expanded roughly 10% in 2024.
Niger, with a population of about 27,032,412 (as of 2024), is ranked 53rd in the world, just behind Cameroon. Located in West Africa, Niger covers a total area of 1,267,000 square kilometers, ranking 21st globally, just behind Chad.
As of 2024, Niger’s economy is characterized by a GDP of approximately $19.88 billion, according to World Bank data. In terms of GDP per capita, Niger stands at about $735 per person, among the lowest in the world.
Niger’s economy faces significant challenges but has shown strong growth, expanding by roughly 10% in 2024 on the back of new oil exports and a resilient agricultural sector.
What are the economic activities of Niger?
- Primary activities: about 41.6% of GDP (agriculture-dominated).
- Secondary activities: 19.5% of GDP.
- Tertiary activities: 38.7% of GDP.
Primary Sector of Niger
Niger’s primary sector, dominated by agriculture, thrives due to its favorable climate and abundant natural resources. With 36.78% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a diverse range of products including millet, cowpeas, sorghum, onions, milk, groundnuts, sugarcane, cabbages, cassava, and potatoes.
Despite contributing 41.6% to the GDP, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy, providing sustenance and livelihoods. The variety of crops and animal products underline the sector’s significance, ensuring food security and economic stability.
With a diverse geological landscape, Niger boasts abundant natural resources. Its primary sector thrives on uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, gold, and more, driving the economy through mining and extraction activities.
Niger’s oil sector has expanded sharply with the completion of the 1,950 km Niger–Benin crude oil pipeline (capacity about 90,000 barrels per day), which began carrying crude to Benin’s Atlantic coast in May 2024, opening international markets for this landlocked country. As of 2024, the pipeline aimed to lift national production from roughly 20,000 to up to 90,000 barrels per day, though exports were repeatedly disrupted by pipeline attacks and regional tensions.
Secondary Sector of Niger
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?
The secondary sector includes industries that produce finished goods from raw materials. In Niger, the main industrial products are uranium, petroleum, cement, bricks, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, and slaughterhouses. These products are manufactured for domestic consumption and export.
In 2023, Niger’s manufacturing sector accounted for only 10.088% of total exports, indicating its relatively minor role in the country’s export economy.
Tertiary sector of Niger
What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?
The tertiary sector in Niger encompasses various services that enhance productivity and meet needs. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, transportation, and security services. These sectors contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.
Among these, Niger’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. With an annual influx of 192,000 tourists, amounting to 0.0073 tourist arrivals per capita, the industry thrives. The Aïr Massif and the Sahara Desert’s grandeur attract adventurers, while ancient cities like Agadez captivate history enthusiasts, making Niger a sought-after destination.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with over 14 million subscriptions, enhancing connectivity and supporting technological growth. This infrastructure fosters innovation and digital services.
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Niger
The military is a great example of how different economic activities work together. In Niger, the military uses resources from the primary sector, like minerals, for their needs. The secondary sector helps by making military equipment. The tertiary sector provides services, while the quaternary sector focuses on research and development. Lastly, the quinary sector involves high-level decisions and strategies for defense.
In 2023, Niger’s military expenditure was $331.6 million, which is 1.66% of its GDP. The active military force consists of 5,300 personnel, giving a ratio of 0.5 active military members for every 1,000 people in the country.
Biggest company in Niger
Which is the biggest company in Niger? One of Niger’s largest and most strategically important companies is SOMAÏR (Société des Mines de l’Aïr), the country’s principal uranium-mining operation at Arlit. Historically a joint venture majority-owned by France’s Orano, SOMAÏR was nationalised by the Nigerien state in June 2025 and is now wholly state-controlled. Uranium mining sits in the secondary (industrial) economic sector and has long been a cornerstone of Niger’s export economy. Another major domestic firm is the state-owned SONIDEP (Société Nigérienne des Produits Pétroliers), which handles the import, storage and distribution of petroleum products.
International Trade of Niger
Import Activities of Niger
As of recent estimates, Niger’s import activities are significant, accounting for roughly a quarter to a third of its GDP, indicating a significant reliance on imported goods for economic growth.
Niger’s key import activities include importing weapons parts, rice, aircraft, tobacco, and iron pipes. Its top import partners are China (22%), France (14%), Nigeria (8%), Germany (5%), and the UAE (5%).
Exports Activities of Niger
As of 2024, Niger’s total goods exports were on the order of $1 billion, a relatively small share of GDP. Following the July 2023 coup and resulting sanctions, uranium exports were largely halted, while crude oil shipments via the new Niger–Benin pipeline became a growing share of export earnings.
Niger’s export activities primarily involve trading with the UAE, France, China, Nigeria, and Mali. The country exports commodities such as gold, oil seeds, radioactive chemicals, refined petroleum, uranium, and thorium ore.
Niger economy challenges in 2024
Niger faces challenges in 2024 with ongoing instability and humanitarian crises limiting economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has erased recent progress in poverty reduction. However, the economy is showing signs of recovery since December 2020, thanks to the reopening of the Nigerian border and new investments in the country’s uranium-rich resources.
Sources
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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