Housing Finance in Niger

Overview

This profile is also available in French here.

To download a pdf full version of the 2023 Niger country profile, click here.

Niger’s urbanisation rate is modest at 16.75%, but the urban population is projected to increase rapidly (4.5%) by 2023. Global warming, violence, political instability, and terrorism all have a role. There is an imbalance between housing supply and demand, resulting in the majority of houses being self-built and a rise in the slum population.

Between 2020 and 2021, gross domestic product (GDP) growth fell to 1.3%. 5 The low levels of agricultural production due to limited rainfall and the decline of 2.3% in per capita income as neighbouring countries have suspended cereal exports have left more than 10% of the population living with food insecurity. The increase in security spending and public spending has led to an increase in public spending and a larger fiscal deficit (3% of GDP). This deficit is financed by grants and loans with a moderate risk of over-indebtedness. Despite this, Niger’s economic growth rate is expected to accelerate to 6.9% in 2022. 7 Average annual inflation has risen from 2.9% in 2020 to 3.8% in 2021 and remains above the West African Monetary Union (WAEMU) standard.

The level of outstanding assets decreased by 11.58% from CFA 21.938 billion (US$34.82 million) at the end of March 2021 to CFA 19.397 billion in 2022. Currently, there are 37 microfinance institutions, excluding funds affiliated with networks. In 2022, the number of outstanding receivables rose from $18.02 million to $12.90 million.

It is anticipated that climate change will reduce annual GDP growth by up to 3 percent. Floods and droughts have cost Niger an average of CFA 40 billion ($63.49 million). At least 40 deaths have been attributed to flooding in Niger since June 2022.

Given its strategic position and population, Niger enjoys a natural advantage. A national policy for access to decent housing demonstrates the government’s dedication to enhancing the housing sector. The volume of mortgage loans has increased while the average interest rate on loans has decreased continuously. According to the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, less than half of Niger’s population has access to potable water.

Find out more information on the housing finance sector of Niger, including key stakeholders, important policies and housing affordability:


Each year, CAHF publishes its Housing Finance in Africa Yearbook. The profile above is from the 2023 edition, which has up-to-date profiles for 55 African countries.

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