Widely regarded as a developing country, Niger’s economy focuses on subsistence and agriculture and raw material export, particularly uranium ore. Debt relief initiatives have reduced the country’s debt levels, and around half of the budget stems from foreign donor resources. Growth is hoped to be achieved by mining, particularly the exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral resources.
The government is eager to attract foreign private investment which will in turn boost economic growth and development. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has significantly aided it in its efforts to invigorate the private sector. This has meant that the privatization of water distribution and telecommunications industries have been initiated, with more expected, as well as the removal of price protections for petroleum products.
The legal system, to all intents and purposes, follows French civil law, with some customary-law alterations. There are no religious courts, and customary courts, which are to be found in significantly urban areas, are presided over by a legal practitioner.
The Firm recently conducted a review of banking regulation for an international bank, and a review of the telecommunications sector for a US-based telcoms company.
The Firm has conducted a major review of the power generation sector from the viewpoint of an international independent power producer (“IPP”). This has been published in conjunction with Trinity LLP at http://www.africapowerguide.com/countries-17
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