The socio-economic context remains fragile and, despite a slight improvement in economic growth, poverty still affects nearly 41% of the population. Inequalities are widening, particularly in rural areas and among internally displaced populations. Recent years have also seen a deterioration in living conditions for many people, exacerbated by rising food prices, declining purchasing power and reduced economic opportunities, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
Nearly one million people have been displaced in Niger, mainly due to armed violence and cross-border conflicts that continue to threaten civilian populations. Furthermore, half the population lacks access to essential health services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
Niger is also vulnerable to climate-related hazards, particularly floods and droughts. Floods, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change, affected more than a million people in 2024, destroying crops and infrastructure. Food insecurity is worsening, affecting more than 1.8 million people in the country; and there is a real risk that the situation will deteriorate further during the 2026 lean season. Children are particularly vulnerable, with nearly 11% of them suffering from acute malnutrition.
Furthermore, in a country where one in two citizens is under the age of 15, access to education is a major challenge. Yet Niger continues to have one of the lowest school enrolment rates in the world – around 10% of schools are not operational, mainly in the Tillabéri region – with children with disabilities disproportionately affected by school dropout rates.
Finally, people with disabilities face significant discrimination and socio-economic inequalities. Negative perceptions and attitudes perpetuated by families and the wider community remain the greatest obstacle to their successful social integration.
- Population: 27 million
- HDI: 0.419 (2023)
- GDP: USD 19.88 billion (2024)
- GDP per capita: ~USD 735 (2024)
