The European Union is mobilising an extra €108 million for social policies, security, good governance and access to electricity in Niger. This was announced by the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, on the fringes of the Partner-donor coordination conference (link is external) organised by the G5 Sahel in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Commissioner Mimica also met the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou. Commissioner Mimica said: "The European Union remains steadfast in its support for Niger, which is facing exceptional challenges such as the terrorist threat, human trafficking and strong population growth. This additional funding of €108 million will help improve the implementation of public policies in Niger in key sectors, with a particular focus on vulnerable people in rural areas." This €90 million increase in the National Indicative Programme and an €18 million investment grant for improving access to electricity have been approved as part of the strengthened partnership with Niger, under an integrated approach that combines development, security (including with the G5 Sahel), humanitarian assistance and control of irregular migration. Niger benefits from the full range of European external action instruments to support it in its role in maintaining stability in the region, and to tackle economic, budgetary and humanitarian challenges. This support also ties in with implementation of the national economic and social development plan adopted by Niger and backed by the EU and international partners.
Source: ec.europa.eu
Full Article