The World Bank has approved $400 million in financing to improve transport infrastructure in southern Niger. Indeed, this support aims to strengthen connectivity between the regions of Maradi and Zinder, two major economic hubs located on the border with

The Southern Niger Integration and Connectivity Project will finance the rehabilitation of the Maradi-Zinder section of National Road 1 (RN1) and the modernization of 525 km of service roads and rural roads to make them compliant with climate resilience standards.

These investments will facilitate connectivity in all seasons and improve access to markets, health centers, schools, and job opportunities. At the same time, the project will support reforms to ensure the sustainability of the road network, by improving road asset management and multi-year maintenance planning

As part of Niger's long-term vision to strengthen connectivity and improve access to services and employment, the project will also fund studies for future investments in infrastructure and value chains in the RN1 basin.

“The RN1 between Maradi and Zinder is the economic engine of the country. Thanks to its network of secondary roads, it serves more than 16 million people in Niger and Nigeria”, underlines Han Fraeters, World Bank operations manager for Niger, adding that “with this investment, Niger is putting in place the foundations necessary for the creation of jobs on a large scale. It will stimulate the movement of agricultural products and the creation of new businesses in a country with the youngest population in the world.