Niger Travel Guide - Business

• GDP: US$3.6 million (2006 estimate).
• Main imports: Foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles, petroleum and consumer goods.
• Main exports: Uranium, livestock, cowpeas and onions.
• Main trade partners: France, Nigeria, Russia, USA and China.

Niger is one of the world's poorest countries. Around 90% of the population is employed in agriculture, although less than 5% of the land is cultivated. This situation is exacerbated by the ever-expanding Saharan desert, drought and locust plagues.

Less than one-tenth of the crops grown are cash crops, the rest being for domestic consumption. The nomadic population rears livestock. Niger's most valuable commodity is uranium. Gypsum, coal and tin ore are also extracted and oil deposits may exist.

In 2005, the IMF approved 100% relief of Niger's US$86 million debt burden. Inflation was at 7.8% in 2005, and annual growth at 3.5% in 2006.

Membership of the CFA Franc Zone affords some monetary stability. Niger is a member of West African trading bloc, ECOWAS.

A lightweight suit and tie are generally acceptable. A knowledge of French is essential, as interpreters are not readily available and executives seldom speak English.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1500-1830; Sat 0800-1230.

Chambre de Commerce, d’Agriculture, d’Industrie et d’Artisanat du Niger
168 Place de la Concertation, BP 209, Niamey, Niger
Tel: 732 210.
Website: www.ccaian.org