In 2023, electricity consumption in Niger was just 77 kWh per person—about 2% of the global average of 3,794 kWh, or roughly one-fiftieth as much. Domestic low-carbon electricity generation was close to none, at around 1 kWh per person, while net electricity imports amounted to 1.21 TWh. The supplied data do not identify the sources of those imports or quantify domestic fossil-fuel generation, so a complete clean-versus-fossil breakdown is not possible. Such limited electricity availability can constrain healthcare, education, irrigation, refrigeration and business activity, slowing improvements in living standards.

Is Electricity Growing in Niger?

Electricity consumption in Niger has not surpassed its previous peak. The 2023 figure of 77 kWh per person was 7 kWh below the record of 84 kWh reached in 2018—a decline of about 8%. Low-carbon generation per person also showed no progress against its previous record, remaining at around 1 kWh, the same as in 2018. These figures show disappointing stagnation in clean electricity provision and a retreat in overall consumption per person, rather than the sustained growth needed to expand access and support electrification.

Suggestions

Niger should prioritize expanding solar electricity through both grid-connected projects and local systems serving homes, clinics, schools and businesses. Relevant examples include sunny regions such as Pakistan, which generated about 41 TWh from solar, and South Africa, with about 20 TWh; their experience can inform procurement, investment and workforce development, rather than provide directly transferable production targets. Niger should also consider a long-term nuclear electricity program, supported by international partnerships, training and grid development. South Africa’s roughly 12 TWh of nuclear generation and the United Arab Emirates’ 32 TWh illustrate how nuclear can complement solar with steady low-carbon electricity. Together, solar and nuclear could support greater electricity availability while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and their associated air pollution and climate impacts.

History

The supplied historical record shows no reported year-to-year increase in solar generation in 2005–2010, 2013–2019 or 2020–2023: every listed change is 0 TWh. These values indicate a prolonged absence of measurable expansion at the precision provided, not necessarily that solar electricity generation was entirely absent. Although some years are missing from the record, the repeated zero changes across nearly two decades underline how little momentum is visible. Niger needs a sustained acceleration in clean electricity generation to move beyond this stagnation and improve electricity access.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade