Niger
In Niger, Switzerland promotes the well-being of the population in a spirit of dialogue, inclusive local participation and sustainable resource management. Its activities focus on three areas: food security and resilience; education in emergencies and vocational training; local governance and protection.
Context Niger
Niger continues to face significant multidimensional challenges. Ranked among the lowest countries in terms of human development, the country is marked by struggles over control of mineral resources, conflicts over access to water and grazing land, as well as deep inequalities, particularly between women and men. These factors contribute to phenomena such as violent extremism and banditry. In addition, rapid population growth and the effects of climate change are further exacerbating the needs of the population. The coup d’état of July 2023 has also ushered in a new phase of uncertainty for Niger, marked by geopolitical realignments.
Switzerland has been present in Niger since 1978. The 2025–2028 cooperation programme focuses on food security and resilience, education in emergency situations and vocational training, as well as local governance and protection. It emphasises the nexus between development, humanitarian interventions and peace promotion. Swiss development cooperation activities are mainly concentrated in the Dosso, Maradi and Diffa regions.
Food security and resilience
Switzerland supports households and agro-pastoral communities in promoting equal access to natural resources such as forest, water and grazing lands. A key part of the programme aims to strengthen emergency response capacity, particularly for internally displaced persons. At the same time, Switzerland is implementing measures to reduce conflicts between sedentary and pastoralist communities, thereby contributing to peace in the region. Concrete actions encourage more sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen the resilience of communities to economic, climatic and human shocks.
Education in emergencies and vocational skills development
Switzerland continues to invest in education in emergencies and vocational skills development, ensuring that the skills acquired by children and young people meet market needs. The aim is to improve employment prospects, support economic actors and increase the number of decent jobs. Particular attention is paid to the most vulnerable populations, i.e. people who have been forced to leave school, nomads, migrants, internally displaced persons and refugees, as well as young women and young men at risk. The programme also focuses on the educational and professional reintegration of young people affected by armed conflict and violence.
Local governance and protection
Switzerland focuses its efforts at the decentralised level so that the needs of local communities are better taken into account and basic services can be delivered in an inclusive and sustainable manner. The focus is on promoting a sense of citizenship and public participation in the decision-making process, with particular attention given to women and young people. Initiatives are being implemented to ensure that vulnerable groups are protected, particularly those affected by armed conflict and gender-based violence. Promoting human rights, international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles is at the heart of these activities. The media, the training of journalists and cultural initiatives are key channels for achieving this objective.
Approach and main partners
Gender equality is at the heart of the programme. People on the move (internally displaced persons, refugees and economic migrants) are taken into account across the board, thereby guaranteeing their protection and access to basic services. Finally, resilience to climate change is being strengthened through awareness-raising measures and the adaptation of actions implemented in a participatory manner.
The diversity of Switzerland’s partners in Niger is a major asset in responding effectively to needs in a fragile and constantly changing context. The modalities of intervention include mandates entrusted to international organisations, contributions to national and international initiatives, and, to a lesser extent, participation in sectoral common funds. This approach fosters dialogue with local authorities while ensuring coordination with other international donors in priority sectors.
Stories
The Swiss cooperation, a reliable and flexible actor
Interview with the general director of the SDC, Patricia Danzi, on her visit to Benin and Chad, where she went to Adré, on the border with Sudan.
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern