Niger Launches Workshop to Strengthen Domestic Resource Mobilization

By Kudakwashe Ruzive

The Government of Niger, in partnership with the United Nations System in Niger, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Sub-Regional Office for West Africa and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched a validation workshop on 3 June aimed at strengthening domestic resource mobilization.

The workshop, organized under the United Nations Flagship Programmes framework, brings together key stakeholders to review and validate two strategic reports that will guide Niger’s domestic resource mobilization agenda.

The reports include an assessment of tax policies and tax administration in Niger, as well as a set of priority recommendations and reform measures designed to improve domestic resource mobilization.

The main objective of the workshop is to validate the findings and recommendations and jointly define reforms and practical measures to be implemented through a Priority Action Plan (PAP), supported by clear implementation mechanisms.

Speaking during the opening session, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Mr. Sama Mamane, highlighted the importance of domestic revenue in financing national priorities, particularly those outlined in the Programme for the Refoundation of the Republic.

He said domestic resources should act as a catalyst for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing climate and security challenges, improving the delivery of basic social services, and strengthening the country’s financial independence. Mr. Mamane added that growing public financing demands make stronger domestic resource mobilization a strategic necessity.

Representing the interim United Nations Resident Coordinator in Niger, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Rudasingwa Laurent emphasized that improving both the volume and efficiency of domestic resource mobilization is now a structural necessity rather than a technical option.

He noted that stronger domestic financing capacity is essential for supporting national development priorities, maintaining macroeconomic stability, and accelerating progress toward achieving the SDGs.

The workshop is expected to conclude with a validated set of recommendations and an operational roadmap aimed at strengthening domestic resource mobilization in Niger through broad stakeholder consensus.