Following Niger’s return to democratic rule in 2011, the Government of Niger committed to fighting corruption, increasing transparency and ensuring that proper management of the country’s natural resources benefits all Nigeriens.

Niger’s National Assembly plays a key role in advancing reforms needed to strengthen governance and consolidate recent democratic gains vital to furthering the country’s development. The potential revenue from extractive industries in Niger is of great importance to the economic growth of the country, and as a result, the efficient and transparent management of these industries plays a key role in Niger’s future. At the local level, the decentralization process is still evolving and there is a need for citizens to become more involved in municipal councils and school governance structures. Finally, the 2016 elections provided an excellent opportunity for the country to reaffirm its support for a peaceful electoral process and subsequent democratic transition.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

USAID partners with the Government of Niger to improve its ability to respond directly to citizen concerns for inclusion and improved services. USAID works in coordination with civil society, communities and local governments to increase the local government’s visibility and effectiveness as a service provider to its citizens. In addition, USAID programming is strengthening the National Assembly’s ability to draft, review and oversee the implementation of laws and regulations governing public policy focused on extractive industries. These programs train members in improved practices, increase communication and collaboration between the National Assembly and civil society organizations, and ensure that representation of women and protection of women’s rights become the norm.

USAID supports research on key citizen priorities and works to improve government and citizen responsiveness to public needs in order to increase citizen confidence in the state. USAID is also sponsoring exchange platforms on major governance issues in eight regions of Niger in order to increase legitimate civic and political participation by the Nigerien people.

As part of its regional resilience program, USAID is assisting local governments to build and improve their disaster risk reduction and natural resource management capacities. USAID programming also helps the Government of Niger create economic opportunities and promote increased civic and political participation for Nigerien youth to help undermine extremist messages and encourage stability in Niger and the region. Finally, USAID supports youth and women entrepreneurs who provide beneficial services to their communities through innovative ideas and solutions.

USAID Niger Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Goals

• Strengthened effectiveness of the Nigerien National Assembly
• Implementation of international protective norms for women and girls
• Strengthened local conventions in natural resource management and disaster risk reduction
• Increased civic participation, specifically of youth, in community governance
• Increased dialogue on citizens’ priorities
• Increased capacity of key actors to promote collective action