Canada-Niger relations

Bilateral relations

Canada and Niger established diplomatic relations in 1962, shortly after Niger’s independence. Canada cooperates with Niger, particularly through Canada’s bilateral development program, humanitarian assistance and military training program.. In Niger, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada to Mali, in Bamako. An Honorary Consul of Canada is also located in Niamey, Niger. Niger is represented in Canada by the Embassy of Niger to the United States of America in Washington, D.C.

Trade relations

Canada and Niger have an established bilateral trade relationship with opportunities for growth in the renewable energy, mining, information and communications technology sectors. In 2022, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reached $18.4 million. Exports of Canadian goods in Niger totalled $12.4 million while Canadian imports from Niger amounted to $6 million. In 2021, Canadian direct investments in Niger totalled $238 million.

Development and humanitarian assistance

Between 2000 and 2020, Canada provided over $520 million in international assistance to Niger through its bilateral, multilateral and regional development cooperation programs. For 2021-2022, Canada’s international assistance in Niger (all channels) totalled $59.3 million (including $17.8 million in bilateral development assistance). Canadian international assistance to Niger is focused mainly on human dignity (health and education), growth that works for everyone, and providing humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters, including in the regions of Diffa, Maradi, Tillabéry and Tahoua. Canada provides humanitarian assistance to Niger through experienced humanitarian partners such as the Red Cross, the UN, and NGOs to support a gender-responsive multi-sectoral response to address the specific needs of crisis-affected populations. This includes providing food assistance, treatment for acute malnutrition and other critical health care, safe water and sanitation, as well as protection services. Niger is also one of the countries targeted by the Together for Learning campaign, launched by Canada in February 2021, which aims to increase learning opportunities and ensure quality education for refugee and displaced children and youth.

Peace and security

Canada’s Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Programme (CTCBP) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), provides international security assistance and works with partners to strengthen institutional responses and community resilience to violent extremism and global terrorist networks. Since 2018-2019, CTCBP has disbursed $16.9M for bilateral and regional programming that includes Niger, aimed at reducing terrorist threats through training, equipment and technical assistance. Ongoing programming supports efforts to prevent and respond to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism by building the capacity of the National Commission for the Collection and Control of Illicit Arms, while contributing to security in the Liptako-Gourma region by strengthening the capacity of Niger border police and building community resilience to terrorist networks. In addition, Canadian Armed Forces has been training Niger’s armed forces since 2013 through Operation NABERIUS.

Through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, Canada contributes to peace and security activities. Canada is supporting Niger’s mediation efforts with armed groups, regional arms management capacity, and for women from the Sahel, including Niger, increasing their capacity to integrate peace processes and become active members in conflict-resolution efforts.

Partnerships and organizations

To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Niger work closely in multilateral fora, such as:

Date modified:: 2023-05-11

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