WASHINGTON, April 7, 2025 - The World Bank has approved an additional $90 million in financing from the International Development Association (IDA) to support Niger in improving its road infrastructure, connectivity, and access to basic socio-economic services along the Zinder-Agadez corridor.
This funding will support the Government of Niger's strategy to optimize national connectivity, securing the transport of people and goods along key corridors. It will strengthen the impact of the Project for the Improvement of Connectivity in North-East Niger (PACNEN). The work will include the rehabilitation of the National Road 11 (RN11), or Trans-Saharan Corridor, with interventions on the Tiguidit–Agadez section, in addition to the Tanout–Tiguidit section already planned. Actions will also be carried out for the maintenance and monitoring of the entire Zinder–Agadez corridor until 2031 and beyond.
Weighing stations and toll systems will be installed on the RN11 to strengthen the environmental and economic sustainability of the project. In addition, 200 km of rural roads around the corridor will be upgraded to climate-resilient standards, to facilitate access to social and economic services for local communities. This funding will also scale up women's empowerment initiatives, ensuring lasting benefits for local communities and businesses.
Thus, PACNEN will directly benefit more than 170,000 people around the corridor, including local traders, farmers and transporters who depend on the Zinder-Agadez Road for their economic activities.
“Improving connectivity is not just about building roads – it's about untying economic opportunities, improving access to essential services, and fostering inclusive growth," said Han Fraeters, World Bank Resident Representative in Niger. "Reducing isolation and strengthening regional integration, supported by improved infrastructure, will promote the prosperity of communities, the development of businesses, as well as households' access to the resources essential to improving their quality of life."
