Russia is continuing its strategy of expansion in the African energy sector with the announcement of increased cooperation in uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger. Russian Minister of Energy, Sergei Tsiviliov, visited Niamey at the head of a delegation to meet with the head of the military junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, marking a new step in the rapprochement between the two countries.
Signing of a memorandum with Rosatom
The Russian Minister of Energy’s trip enabled the signing of a memorandum of mutual understanding between the state-owned group Rosatom and the Nigerien Ministry of Energy. This document covers cooperation in uranium mining and the development of a local civil nuclear programme. Sergei Tsiviliov stated on national television that the main goal remains to create a complete system around uranium, from extraction to the establishment of a national civil nuclear model.
Since the coup that brought the junta to power in July 2023, Niger has redirected its foreign policy, marked by the severance of ties with former Western partners and a visible rapprochement with Moscow. The country, which relies on Russian expertise in security matters, is now extending this cooperation to the energy sector.
Impact on former Orano sites and national production
In June, the military government nationalised the Société des Mines de l’Aïr (Somaïr), a subsidiary of French operator Orano, confirming the loss of operational control of the French company over its three mining subsidiaries. Orano held majority stakes in Somaïr, Cominak (which was closed in 2021), and the Imouraren site, considered one of the largest uranium deposits in the world. Several international players have expressed interest in these assets, but no official transfer has been confirmed to date.
The Russian presence in Niger comes in a context where the country, a historical uranium producer since 1971, generated 3,527 tonnes of ore in 2023, accounting for 6.3% of world production according to Globaldata. No information has yet been made public regarding a possible takeover of the former Orano sites by Russian groups, and the French company has not wished to comment on Moscow’s intentions.
Towards a redefinition of Niger’s mining landscape
The ruling military junta has repeatedly expressed its desire to revise the framework for the exploitation of natural resources by foreign companies. The new energy alliance with Russia could thus reshape the balance in this strategic sector, especially after the loss of control by historical players in Niger.
The discovery of uranium in Niger in 1957 by the French Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières (BRGM) and its exploitation for more than five decades have placed the country at the heart of African energy challenges. A senior Nigerien official has confirmed the authorities’ determination to “develop a win-win partnership with new players”, indicating the continuation of ongoing negotiations.
