Is Niger ready for a mini-grid?

In January 2019, with support from USAID and Power Africa, ANPER launched a nationwide feasibility study on mini-grid development, bringing Niger one step closer to its universal energy access goal.

Is Niger a smart village?

Photographer Sanjay Acharya recently went to Niger to see the Niger 2.0 Smart Village project in action. Niger in sub-Saharan Africa ranks amongst the lowest in the Human Development Index. Primary health care and basic education are denied to most. Adequate sources of food, nutrition and water are scarce.

What is the Niger 2.0 Smart Village project?

Adequate sources of food, nutrition and water are scarce. The Niger 2.0 Smart Village project has set out to significantly improve the lives of people in rural Niger, achieving clear milestones in meeting sustainable development goals, aiming for significant gains in health, nutrition and education for the population as a whole.

How can Niger create a'smart village'?

The first step in setting up a ‘smart village’ is establishing reliable Internet connectivity. According to ITU data, some 92 per cent of Niger’s population was covered by a 2G network in 2020, but only 24 per cent had access to a 3G network. Connecting rural and remote communities entails specific technical choices and logistical challenges.

What is the Niger mini-grid feasibility study?

“The Niger Mini-Grid Feasibility Study is an innovative approach to project development that gives a unique opportunity to foster strong ties between American mini-grid developers and the Government of Niger, through ANPER.” said ANPER’s Director General, Salouhou Hamidine.

How much does infrastructure cost in Niger?

Meeting these illustrative infrastructure targets for Niger would cost $747 million per year over a decade. Capital expenditure would account for 71 percent of this requirement. Water supply and sanitation is the sector with the highest spending needs and will require an estimated $266 million per year.