Niger hardens its stance on energy sovereignty but avoids breaking with China National Petroleum Corporation, its main oil industry partner, in order to safeguard export revenues.
An international tribunal ruled in favour of French company Orano against the State of Niger, which had blocked the sale of uranium extracted from the Arlit mine since taking control of the site in 2023.
The ICSID arbitral tribunal ordered Niger to suspend any sale of uranium produced by SOMAÏR, ruling that this material falls under Orano’s contractual rights, amid a dispute with the State that has lasted for several months.
French group Orano returns to profitability in the first half of the year, supported by strong plant performance and stabilisation of international activities, notably after resolving the situation in Niger.
The Russian Minister of Energy announces strengthened cooperation in uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger, reinforcing Russia's economic presence in a key sector following the withdrawal of several Western players.
Facing an under-equipped downstream sector, Mauritania partners with Sonatrach to create a joint venture aiming to structure petroleum products distribution and reduce import dependency, without yet disclosing specific investments.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Petronas' workforce reduction reignites questions about internal trade-offs, as the group maintains its commitments in Asia while leaving uncertainty over its operations in Africa.
Nigerien authorities instruct the local arm of China National Petroleum Corporation to repatriate expatriates who have held positions for over four years, citing violations of local content requirements and economic sovereignty.
Savannah Energy recorded a 19% rise in revenues in the first quarter of 2025, driven by the integration of a new asset in Nigeria and improved cash flows.
Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar met his Nigerien counterpart in Niamey on April 16, 2025, to discuss economic cooperation and security amidst ongoing political tensions and terrorist threats.
Niger is increasing its reliance on solar energy to offset the reduction in Nigerian electricity exports, a direct consequence of diplomatic tensions following the regime change in Niamey.
The Algerian energy group Sonelgaz is offering its technical expertise to Burkina Faso to strengthen its electrical infrastructure, illustrating Algeria's strategic intention to consolidate its presence in sub-Saharan Africa’s energy markets.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.
Niger is experiencing a fuel supply crisis that is disrupting the daily lives of millions. Dependence on imports and the inability of domestic production to meet demand are worsening the situation.
Algerian public company Sonelgaz will build a 40 MW power plant in Niger as part of a project aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries, following a memorandum of understanding signed in late February.
Niger has shipped more than 14 million barrels of crude oil through Benin despite diplomatic tensions. The China National Petroleum Corporation manages extraction and holds a significant share of the exported volumes.
