Niger has invited Russian firms to invest in uranium mining and other natural resources as part of a strategic pivot away from its long-standing ties with France.
This was made known by the Mining Minister, Ousmane Abarchi, who said, “We have already met with Russian companies that are interested in coming to explore and exploit Niger’s natural resources… not only uranium”.
This shift comes after relations soured with the French government and nuclear company Orano, which halted the production of uranium in Niger.
The deteriorating relationship followed the July 2023 military coup in Niger, which led to the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum and the installation of a junta that is now seeking alternative international partnerships.
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According to Ousmane Abarchi, discussions with Russian companies interested in exploring and extracting Niger’s resources are already underway. This move aligns with the junta’s intentions to recalibrate Niger’s foreign investment policies, focusing on greater national control over its mineral wealth.
Abarchi’s statements indicate that Niger is unlikely to permit French companies to continue operations, as French authorities have openly refused to recognize the new regime.
This recent development underscores a broader shift across West Africa, where nations are rethinking their reliance on former colonial powers, especially France, and are instead seeking alliances with Russia and other global actors.
As the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, Niger’s resource potential is significant, particularly at sites like the Imouraren deposit, which has been a major focus of French investment through Orano. However, with the military government’s recent suspension of Orano’s permit and the closure of the Niger-Benin border, exporting uranium to France has become unviable.
Beyond mining, Niger is expanding its cooperation with Russia to include technological advancements. A recent agreement with Russian company Glavkosmos aims to enhance Niger’s security capabilities through the acquisition of satellite technology.
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This collaboration, which will provide Niger with high-altitude satellites for remote sensing and national defense, further signals the country’s increasing reliance on Russia for strategic support.
