The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a service-level agreement with the government of Niger on a new financial support program totaling 203 million dollars, backed by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The program, which will last 38 months, is designed to strengthen the country's economic stability and build on previous reform efforts. It also aims to support the government's development strategy for the years 2025 to 2029, which is part of a larger initiative known as the Republic Refounding Program. The agreement must still be approved by the IMF’s board of directors. If approved, the first payment of 36 million dollars could be made. This progress follows an IMF review of Niger's economic situation and the completion of a service-level agreement on the final evaluation of the previous ECF-supported program. Julia Bersch, the IMF’s mission chief in Niamey, noted that the program met its targets as of June 2026 and that the government has continued to address outstanding debts both domestically and internationally. In its latest economic forecast, the IMF predicts that Niger's gross domestic product (GDP), which measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, will grow by 7% in 2026 and 6.7% in 2027. This growth is expected to be driven largely by agriculture and the extractive sector, which includes industries like mining and oil. The IMF also forecasts that inflation, which measures the rate at which prices for goods and services rise, will be 2.2% in 2027. Additionally, the budget deficit—the difference between government spending and revenue—is expected to be 3.4% of GDP in 2026. This projection considers the costs of rebuilding after natural disasters and providing support to households affected by rising food and fuel prices. Looking further ahead, the IMF expects an average growth rate of about 6.1% over the medium term. This growth is anticipated to be supported by the extractive industries and increased public investment. However, these forecasts come with risks, including ongoing insecurity, climate-related challenges, and fluctuations in global markets, which could affect the economy’s performance. The IMF’s outlook highlights both the potential for growth and the need for continued efforts to manage these uncertainties. The agreement with the IMF represents a significant step for Niger as it seeks to stabilize its economy and implement long-term development goals. The support from the IMF is expected to provide the government with the necessary resources to continue its reforms and address key economic challenges. As the program moves forward, the success of the agreement will depend on the government’s ability to meet its commitments and manage the risks that could impact the country’s economic progress.