Niamey, Niger
Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, recently held talks with China’s ambassador to the country, signalling Beijing’s continued support for the West African state’s reconstruction efforts following the 2023 coup.
The meeting took place on 15 January at the presidential palace in Niamey, where Ambassador Lyu Guijun conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to General Tiani. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, with China reaffirming its commitment to Niger’s “Re-founding” initiative, a term used by the junta to describe its programme of national renewal and sovereignty assertion.
Ambassador Lyu praised the “favourable arrangements” made by Nigerien authorities for Chinese projects and expressed satisfaction with the “excellence” of the Sino-Nigerien partnership.
While specific agreements were not publicly detailed, the talks emphasised multifaceted collaboration in strategic sectors, including infrastructure, mining, and economic development.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that the conversation underscored mutual respect and shared interests, with no mention of military or security pacts.
The engagement comes as Niger continues to diversify its international partnerships after the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta has since expelled French and US troops.
It also withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Mali and Burkina Faso. Regional sanctions imposed by ECOWAS were lifted in February 2024, allowing economic recovery to gain momentum.
China, a long-standing partner since diplomatic relations were established in 1974, has positioned itself as a key ally in this shift. Beijing’s approach emphasises non-interference and economic investment, contrasting with Western conditions on democracy and human rights, and what many in Niger describe as political impositions and economic exploitation.
Bilateral trade between Niger and China has shown steady historical growth but faced recent fluctuations. In 2023, China imported goods worth $311.73 million from Niger, primarily uranium, while exporting $232.21 million in machinery, vehicles, and consumer goods. This represents a total trade volume of approximately $543.94 million for the year.
From 1995 to 2021, Niger’s imports from China grew at an average annual rate of over 14%, reaching $441 million by 2021. However, more recent data indicates a slowdown, with Niger’s exports to China dropping 89% from $91.4 million to $10.1 million between October 2024 and October 2025, and imports falling 17.8% in the same period. Analysts attribute this to lingering effects of the coup, supply chain disruptions, and global commodity price volatility.
Uranium mining remains a cornerstone of the relationship. Niger is one of Africa’s top uranium producers, supplying about 5% of global output. Chinese state-owned firms, such as the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), hold significant stakes in key projects.
CNNC owns 37.2% of the SOMINA mine (Azelik/Teguidda project), which has faced intermittent production due to low prices and operational challenges. Another venture, the SOMAIR mine near Arlit (majority-owned by Orano at 63.4% with Sopamin at 36.6%), produced around 2,000 tonnes of uranium in 2022.
Post-coup, China’s investments have accelerated. Beijing is Niger’s second-largest foreign investor after France, with $2.3 billion in foreign direct investment committed across sectors. This includes oil exploration in the Agadem basin, where the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has built a refinery and a 2,000km pipeline to Chad, operational since 2011. These projects have boosted Niger’s oil output to 110,000 barrels per day, with exports to China forming a growing share.
Economic ties extend beyond resources. China has funded infrastructure like the $400 million Soraz refinery and road networks under the Belt and Road Initiative. In return, Niger has supported China’s positions on issues like Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Critics, however, raise concerns over debt sustainability and environmental impacts. Niger’s external debt stood at $4.5 billion in 2023, with China holding a portion through concessional loans. Some reports say local communities near mining sites have recorded water contamination and health issues, though Chinese firms pledge adherence to international standards.
The meeting reflects wider trends in Africa-China relations. At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Beijing pledged $51 billion in aid and investment continent-wide. For Niger, isolated from traditional Western partners, China’s support offers a lifeline for economic stabilisation.
Strengthened ties between Beijing and Niamey could accelerate recovery. But, experts warn that over-reliance on commodity exports risks perpetuating economic vulnerability.
Niger’s foreign ministry declined to comment on the specifics of the talks, but a statement described the encounter as “productive and brotherly”.
China’s embassy in Niamey echoed this, highlighting “mutual benefits” in the partnership.
This development highlights Niger’s strategic realignment, as it seeks partners that support its sovereignty goals in a multipolar world.
