1

Niger

Labour Market Profile

2014

This Labour Market Profile is a yearly updated report that provides a broad overview of the labour

market's situation and development. The report is based on the latest data available and following

trends. Each section has also accesses to the sources' links that can be used to go more in-depth on

selected themes.

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Niger – Labour Market Profile 2014

Executive Summary

The Republic of Niger returned to political stability in April 2011 after 13 months of military transition. However, it remains prone to political instability and natural crises, such as droughts, floods and locust infestation, which contributing to chronic food insecurity. Security at borders (Mali, Libya, and Nigeria) and commodity-price shocks will also continue expose Niger to significant macroeconomic risks.

The economic growth decelerated in 2013 and reached an estimated 3.6%, on account of poor rains, following an exceptional agricultural harvest and the inception of oil production in 2012. Niger remains as one of the poorest countries in the world. Although social indicators have improved over the past two decades, it lies at the rock bottom at the Human Development Index. HIV/AIDS prevalence has remained at 0.7%, one of the lowest in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

The country has one of the world's highest growths of workforce. Most of the employment is pre-industrialised, mainly in subsistence farming. Most non-agricultural employment is informal self-employment. The formal sector absorbs 7% of the labour force, which is concentrated around the capital and in mines, especially in Agadez that has a large uranium mine. Women are confronting discrimination due to a persistent gender stereotype and only two out of five women enter the labour market. Unemployment and underemployment is at a medium to high level. Youth unemployment is a growing problem as many young people enter the labour market each year seeking jobs in the cities. At the same time those with work often work long hours. Many Nigerien workers and ex-combatants, who have

returned from Libya, still pose a problem as there are few employment opportunities. The minimum wage in the salaried workers in the formal sector was raised from 28,347 CFA to current 30,047 CFA (US$60). The Ministry of Labor and Civil Service has not enforced minimum wages and workweek laws in the informal economy. The country has a poor quality of the education system with a high drop-out rate and weak gender equity. Education levels and enrolments are quite narrow, but primary level has increased significantly. It is also noteworthy that the vocational training rates are experiencing a growth, including with support from labour unions' activities of short-term entrepreneur courses for workers from the informal economy. But, the vocational training ratio remains at a low level in comparison with Sub-Saharan Africa’s average. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining were respected and workers exercised them. The trade union members' share of labour force is 2.8%, out of which members to waged workers are 53%. It is estimated that 50,000 workers are affiliated in trade unions from the informal economy. Niger’s social insurance schemes only cover 3% of the workforce. In addition, there has been a slight decrease on the government expenditure in health in the period 2007-2011 and has been extremely low of US$1.9 per capita. In terms of old age effective coverage, only 1.9% is active contributors above 15 years old, which is one forth in comparison with the Sub-Saharan Africa's average at 8.4%.

A new Labour Code came into force in 2012 and updated much of the existing labour legislation. The new code also established several new bi- and tripartite organs, in particular the Consultative Committee for Labour and Employment.

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Contents

Trade Unions ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Trade Unions in Niger .................................................................................................................................... 5

Central Tripartite Structures ................................................................................................................... 7

Employers’ Organisations ....................................................................................................................... 8

National Labour Legislation .................................................................................................................... 8

ILO Conventions ..................................................................................................................................... 9

Trade Union Rights Violations .............................................................................................................. 10

Working Conditions.............................................................................................................................. 11

Workforce ........................................................................................................................................... 12

Unemployment and underemployment ..................................................................................................... 12

Sectoral employment .................................................................................................................................. 14

Migration ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Informal Economy ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Child Labour ................................................................................................................................................. 16

Gender ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Youth ........................................................................................................................................................... 17

Characteristics of the Working Age Population ..................................................................................... 18

Vocational training ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Social Protection .................................................................................................................................. 20

General Economic Performance ............................................................................................................ 21

Trade ................................................................................................................................................... 22

Trade agreements ....................................................................................................................................... 22

References ........................................................................................................................................... 23

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Trade Unions

Trade unions in Niger (2014) Number of trade unions 177

Dues (SNAAN) 2

Members of trade unions (USTN, CNT & CDTN) 155,197

Trade union members share of labour force 2.8 %

Trade union members to waged workers 53 %

Female member share of trade unions (SNAAN, SNTIN, SYNTRACA and SUPRA)

18 %

Members of affiliated trade unions from the informal economy

50,000

Number of CBAs1 10

Workers covered by CBAs (SNAAN) 2,015

Share of workers covered by CBA N/A

Labour force (2012)2 5,551,000

Worker organizations are generally independent of the government and political parties. Unions have exercised the right to bargain collectively for wages above the legal minimum in the formal sectors and for more favorable working conditions. Union des Syndicats des Travailleurs du Niger (USTN)

The USTN Union Nationale des Travailleurs du Niger was established at independence in 1960. Its name was changed to the Union des Syndicats des Travailleurs du Niger in 1978 in connection with mergers, and it is one of seven national centres in Niger. The objectives of USTN are to promote good working and living conditions of workers and to contribute to a democratic and sustainable development of the country. Solidarity with the most vulnerable groups is one of the basic principles of the organisation. The USTN is represented in 8 regions and 71 districts; and has 45 affiliated unions and approximately 45,212 members both from the formal and informal economy. The organization has experienced a growth of membership at 4.9% in the period 2012-2014. It has also been registered that SNAAN, SNTIN and SUPRA operate with 10 Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) committees. USTN has assessed female share of membership between 18%-30%. This share diverges significantly between sectors, i.e. from 0% to 45%, according to accessible data.

There is a National Gender Committee. There are presently 10 full-time administrative employees in the USTN. The organisation has a group of available trainers who are used in the regions and districts to carry out workers’ education. The long distances, difficult transport and small share of waged workers in Niger outside the capital Niamey, makes it difficult for USTN to service unions outside the capital. Other trade union centres in Niger

Since the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1991, several new national trade union centres have been established. Three are affiliates of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), i.e. USTN, CDTN & CNT. There are presently 8 national centres, including USTN:

- Confédération Nigérienne du Travail (CNT) - est. 1996 - General Secretary, Mr. Sako Mamadou

- Confédération Démocratique des Travailleurs du Niger (CDTN) - est. 2000 - General Secretary, Mr. Idrissa Djibrilla.

- Confédération Générale des Travailleurs du Niger (CGSL-N) - est. 2006 - General Secretary, Mr. BAGNA, Soumaila

- Union Générale des Travailleurs du Niger (UGTN ) - est. 2001 - General Secretary, Mr. Salifou Mallam Soffo

- Union Syndicale Progressiste des Travailleurs (USPT) - est. 2006 - General Secretary, Mr. Chaibou Tankari

- Union Générale des Syndicats de l’Economie Informelle du Niger (UGSEIN) - est. 2006 - General Secretary, Ms. Salamatou Mariko

- Confédération générale du Travail (CGT-N) - est. 2009 - General Secretary, Mr. Elhadji Amadou Mahamadou

The trade union centres, except CGT-N, created the Inter-syndicale des Travailleurs du Niger (ITN) in 2009 for coordination of their organizations to voice workers interests at the national level.

3 In response to

the fears of rising political tensions in May 2014, the ITN appealed publicly for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis.

5

Trade Unions in Niger

Members, Dues, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and Occupational Safety and Health committees

Trade Union / Trade Union Centre

Affiliation To national trade union

centre

Total Members (2014)

18

Female Members

(2009) Dues

Number of CBAs

Workers covered by CBAs

Number of OSH com-mittees at

workplaces USTN Union des Syndicats des Travailleurs du Niger

45 45,2124 - - - - -

CNT Confédération Nigérienne du Travail 37 75,0005 - - - - -

UGTN Union Générale des Travailleurs du Niger

16 - - - - - -

CDTN Confédération Démocratique des Travailleurs du Niger

30 34,9856 - - - - -

CGSL-N Confédération Générale des Travailleurs du Niger

18 - - - - - -

USPT Union Syndicale Progressiste des Travailleurs

16 - - - - - -

UGSEIN Union Générale des Syndicats de l’Economie Informelle du Niger

8 - - - - - -

CGT-N Confédération générale du Travail 7 - - - - - -

SAINFO Syndicat National des Agents de l’Information

USTN 310 - - - - -

SNAAN Syndicat National des Agents de l’Agriculture du Niger

USTN 2,015 325 2 - 2,015 3

SNAJ Syndicat National des Agents de la Justice

USTN 185 - - - - -

SNCRN Syndicat National des Conducteurs Routiers du Niger

USTN 2,545 - - - - -

SNCRVN Syndicat National des Conducteurs Routiers et Voyageurs du Niger

USTN 600 - - - - -

SYNECOM Syndicat National des Employés du Commerce

USTN 423 - - - - -

SNEB Syndicat National des Enseignants de Base

USTN 3,011 - - - - -

SNES Syndicat National des Enseignants du Secondaire

USTN 500 - - - - -

SYNMAE Syndicat National des Moniteurs d’Auto – Ecoles

USTN 224 0 - - - -

SYNPATEENAM Syndicat National des Personnels Administratifs et Techniques de l’Ecole Nationale d’Administration et de la Magistrature

USTN 54 - - - - -

SYNTUAM Syndicat National des Travailleurs de l’Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey

USTN 189 - - - - -

SAMAC Syndicat des Agents de la Météorologie et de l’Aviation Civile

USTN 576 - - - - -

SYNPOSTEL Syndicat National des Postes et Télécommunications

USTN 500 - - - - -

SNTIN Syndicat National des Travailleurs de l’Industrie du Niger

USTN 2,800 300 - - - 4

SYNTRAMEG Syndicat National des Travailleurs de Mécanique Générale

USTN 542 - - - - -

SYNTEN Syndicat des Travailleurs de l’Education Nationale

USTN 1,200 - - - - -

SYNTRAC-TEN Syndicat National des Travailleurs des Collectivités Territoriales du Niger

USTN 2,800 - - - - -

SYNTRACA Syndicat National des Travailleurs des Compagnies d’Assurances

USTN 2,000 900 - - - -

SYNTHOBRA Syndicat National des Travailleurs des Hôtels, Bars, Restaurants et Assimilés du Niger

USTN 6,150 - - - - -

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SYNTRA-MINES Syndicat National des Travailleurs des Mines du Niger

USTN 3,000 - - - - -

SYNBA-ROUTTES Syndicat National du Bâtiment, Bois et Routes

USTN 500 - - - - -

SUCOTAN Syndicat Unique des Conducteurs de Taxi du Niger

USTN 1,500 - - - - -

SUPRA Syndicat Unique des Personnels des Ressources Animales

USTN 3,000 285 - - - 3

SUATP/HT Syndicat Unique des Travaux Publics, de l’Habitat et des Transports

USTN 301 - - - - -

SYNTRASAS Syndicat National des Travailleurs de la Santé et de l’Action Sociale

USTN 1,200 - - - - -

SYNEEPSEF Syndicat National des Enseignants de l’Education Physique et de l’Economie Familiale

USTN 350 - - - - -

SNAENF Syndicat National des Enseignants de l’Education non Formelle

USTN 450 - - - - -

SYNATRA Syndicat national des travailleurs de l'économie informelle du Niger

USTN 300 - - - - -

SYNCOBUS Syndicat des Conducteurs des Bus

USTN 750 - - - - -

SYNVO Syndicat national des vendeurs de véhicules d’occasion

USTN 45 - - - - -

SNAPHO Syndical National des Arts Photographiques du Niger

USTN 320 - - - - -

SNPPS Syndicat National des Professionnels Privés de la Santé

USTN 176 - - - - -

SYNADOC Syndicat National des Dockers USTN 400 - - - - -

SYNCOIF-MONI Syndicat national des coiffeuses du Niger

USTN 900 - - - - -

SYNACNI Syndicat national des contractuels du Niger

USTN - - - - - -

SYCAMEN Syndicat national des cadres et auxiliaires de l’éducation nationale

USTN - - - - - -

SNAEF Syndicat national des agents des eaux et forêts

USTN 1,800 - - - - -

SSTNV Syndicat National des Transporteurs de la Transaharienne

USTN - - - - -

FENISPROCTAM* Fédération nationale des Propriétaires et Conducteurs de Taxi motos

USTN 23,000 0 - - - -

SABN Syndicat Autonome des Bouchers du Niger

USTN - - - - - -

SYNAPROV : Syndicat National des Professionnels de la Viande

USTN - - - - - -

SYNATECAN Syndicat National des Ténancier de Cafétariats du Niger

USTN - - - - - -

(SYNTRAFISC) Syndicat National des Travailleurs de l’Administration Fiscale

USTN 300 - - - - -

(SYNTRAVE) Syndicat National des travailleur de l’Energie

USTN - - - - - -

(SMMBTN) Syndicat National des Menuisiers Métallique, Bois et Tapissiers du Niger

USTN* 750 - - - - -

(SNAIN *) Syndicat National des Agents immobiliers du Niger

USTN 250 - - - - -

(SNAF) Syndicat National des Agents des Finances

USTN - - - - - -

* Trade unions in process of being affiliated.

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Central Tripartite Structures

The Consultative Commission for Labour and Employment (Commission Consultative du Travail et de l’Emploi)

The new commission is from September 2012. The commission has to be consulted on various labour and employment issues, mainly changes to the labour code and government changes to rules for working condition, minimum wages, etc. but also on issues related to labour inspection and collective bargaining agreements. The Commission can request the minister of labour to examine issues of collective bargaining. The Commission is presided by the Minister of Labour and an equal numbers of representatives from workers’ and employers’ organizations.

National Monitoring Unit for Communication (l’Observatoire National de la Communication)

The National Monitoring Unit for Communication (ONC) replaced the High Council on Communication (CSC) in 2010, which according to the U.S. Annual Human Rights Report,

7 had controlled and censored

the press. Press offences was decriminalised and new media licences was issued and extended, but the ONC still controls media licensing, ONC has exercised its power to interfere in the media and journalists are required to be accredited. The ONC has 13 members; three of them are representatives of media and press workers’ organizations.

Arbitration and mediation

Individual labour disputes are handled by the Labour Courts (Les tribunaux du travail). They are preceded by a professional magistrate and two judges from the workers’ and employers’ organizations. The courts are divided into business sectors, when deemed necessary. Collective labour disputes have several consultation steps led by a labour inspector and can ultimately be settled by an arbitration council appointed by the Minister of Labour.

8

Other bi/tripartite organs9

- Comité Interministériel de Négociation avec les partenaires sociaux,

- Comité technique consultatif de sécurité et santé au travail

- Conseil National du travail - Comité consultatif de la fonction publique - Commission consultative du travail - Caisse Nationale de sécurité sociale - Commission Nationale du Dialogue Social - Comité de pilotage de la Mutuelle générale de

santé des agents de l’Etat. - Comités Techniques paritaires d’avancement de

titularisation et de Discipline - Fonds d’Appui à la Formation Professionnelle

Continue et à l’Apprentissage (FAFPCA), - Conseil Economique Social et Culturel (CESOC), - Commission Nationale des Droits Humains

(CNDH) - Agence Nationale pour la Promotion de l’Emploi - Handicapés - Migrants - Femmes - NEPAD – SDRP - Structures locales tripartites / monde du travail

8

Employers’ Organisations

Employers’ organizations in Niger are organized in two large groups, the Conseil National du Patronat Nigérien (CNPN), which is a member of the Syndicat Patronal des Entreprises et Industries du Niger (SPEIN). Mr. Amadou Ousmane is Président of CNPN. The organization is also member of the Global Apprenticeships Network (GAN) which is a business-driven alliance with the overarching goal of encouraging and linking business initiatives on skills and employment opportunities for youth, notably apprenticeship.

The second is the Fédération des Organisations patronales du Niger (FOP–Niger). Mr. Adolphe Sagbo is Président of FOP-N. CNPN is an affiliate of the International Organisation of Employers.

10

National Labour Legislation

Constitution11

The constitution was commissioned under the interim military rule in 2010. The constitution recognises and guarantees freedom of association, the right for labour to organise and to strike, the right to work, non-discrimination at work and fair compensation. Companies are also required to prioritise Nigeriens in employment.

Labour Code12

The new labour code from September 2012 regulates employment, vocational training, remuneration, collective bargaining, labour representation and labour disputes. The code also establishes the Consultative Commission for Labour and Employment, the Labour Court and regulates the Technical Consultative Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.

Several other legislations exists which regulates and sets standards and restrictions for the labour market.

13

It is noteworthy that apart the Constitution and the Labour Code, very few reforms on the labour legislation have been implemented in recent years in Niger.

9

ILO Conventions

Ratified ILO Conventions14

Subject and/or right Convention Ratification date

Fundamental Conventions

Freedom of association and collective bargaining

C087 - Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, 1948 1961

C098 - Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 1962

Elimination of all forms of forced labour

C029 - Forced Labour Convention, 1930 1961

C105 - Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 1962

Effective abolition of child labour

C138 - Minimum Age Convention, 1973 1978

C182 - Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 2000

Elimination of discri-mination in employment

C100 - Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 1966

C111 - Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 1962

Governance Conventions

Labour inspection C081 - Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 1979

C129 - Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 Not ratified

Employment policy C122 - Employment Policy Convention, 1964 Not ratified

Tripartism C144 - Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 Not ratified

Up-to-date Conventions

Working time C014 - Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention, 1921 1961

Wages C095 - Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 1961 C131 - Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 1970

Social Security C102 - Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 1966

Industrial relations C135 - Workers' Representatives Convention, 1971 1972 C154 - Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981 1985

Vocational training C142 - Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 1993

Occupational Safety and Health

C148 - Working Environment (Air, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 1993

C155 - Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 2009 C161 - Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 2009 C187 - Promotional Framework for OSH Convention, 2006 2009

Equality of opportunity and treatment

C156 - Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 1985

Fundamental Conventions are the eight most important ILO conventions that cover four fundamental principles and rights at work. Equivalent to basic human rights at work.

Governance Conventions are four conventions that the ILO has designated as important to building national institutions and capacities that serve to promote employment. In other words, conventions that promotes a well-regulated and well-functioning labour market.

In addition, there are 71 conventions, which ILO considers “up-to-date" and actively promotes.

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Trade Union Rights Violations

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) registered in had no entry for Niger in the 2013 annual survey of countries at risk of violations of trade unions rights, which is similar in previous years.

15

According to the U.S. Department of State's Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the oil workers union (SYNATRAP) denounced an breach of members’ freedom of association by various subcontractors of the Chinese National Petroleum Company (CNPC) in February 2013. There were reports that the Chinese managers of those companies had undertaken to harass this union’s members. On the Agadem oil site where the subcontractors were based and within Zinder’s Soraz refinery run by the CNPC, union leaders and oil workers were subject to termination and threats of arbitrary reassignment. The parties found a solutions acceptable to all, though. Among others, they agreed of 80% health-care coverage and a 15% basic salary increase. SYNATRAP members resumed work, but were not satisfied with the salary increase and reserved the right to table new grievances for further negotiations on salaries.

16

Violations of provisions governing wages, overtime, and work conditions were reported in the petroleum and mining sectors, including at gold mines, oil fields, and oil refineries. Groups of workers in hazardous or exploitive work conditions included mineworkers including children, domestic workers, and persons in traditional slavery.

It was registered in 2013 that Niger has six cases of failure to supply information in reply to comments made by the ILO’s Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR).

17 Among others, CEACR has for years

requesting Niger to change its legislation from 1996, which limits the rights to strike for public servants. It has also been requesting that trade union members and leaders receive better protection against anti-union discrimination. The new labour code has not improved the protection.

18

A survey from the National Statistics Institute and the ILO on the forms of forced labour found that more than 59,000 adults are victims of forced labour, which is 1.1% of the total adult population. For the most part, these victims perform domestic work (48%) or work in agriculture or stock breeding (24%). There is an absence of information from Niger’s Government in its reports on measures taken to combat slavery.

According to ILO, social dialogue functions inadequately due to lack of visibility, financial and staff resources of the actors on the labour market (the labour administration, workers' and employers’ organizations).

19

Currently, Niger has 4 closed Freedom of Association cases in the ILO; and no active or follow-up cases.

11

Working Conditions

Wages and earnings Monthly average and legal minimum wages, 2013

Source Current

West African CFA Franc

Current US$

Minimum wage (2012-2013)

WageIndicator.

org20

30,047 61

Minimum wage for 19-year old worker/apprentice (2014)

Doing Business21

27,739 55

Ratio of minimum wage to value added per worker (2014)

Doing Business22

0.85

Growth of real minimum wage (2002-2011)

Global Wage Database23

21 %

Wage Share Unadjusted (2010)

Global Wage Database24

15 %

Ratio of minimum wage to value added per worker denotes the minimum wage share of labour productivity. Reported as ratio of minimum wage to value added per worker in the Doing Business Report. The Wage Share is the share of GDP that goes to wages and other forms of labour compensation. It is not adjusted for the self-employed, and can therefore underestimate the amount of GDP that goes to workers, if there are many self-employed in the economy.

The minimum wage in the salaried workers in the formal sector in Niger is at 30,047 CFA (US$61) with an additional 1,000 CFA (US$2) added per child. It was last raised in 2012 from 28,347 CFA (US$56). Inflation has been low in many years and the real minimum wage has grown with 21% since 2000. However, the Ministry of Labor and Civil Service has not enforced minimum wages and workweek laws in the informal economy. The official poverty income level is 1,000 CFA (US$2) per day; and in 2010 it was estimated that 60% of citizens lived below that level.

25

The wage share of labour is very low in Niger. At 15% it ranks the country 105 out of 108 countries, only surpassing Tanzania, Tajikistan, and Nigeria. The wage share of labour is likely low because only around 5.3% of the labour force are waged workers. It is also relevant to mention the weak bargaining power of labour, as is the case for the decline wage share in developed countries.

26

The formal sector's legal workweek is 40 hours with a minimum of one 24-hour rest period. The Ministry of Labour and Civil Service effectively enforced minimum wages and workweek laws only in the regulated

formal sector. Longer workweeks of up to 72 hours for certain occupations, including domestic workers and drivers, were authorized. The mining and oil sectors can receive waivers of work hours, e.g. workers may work for two weeks beyond normal work hours, but receive two weeks' rest in compensation. Employers must provide premium pay for overtime, although the rate is not set by law.

27

Nigeriens’ domestic workers are covered by minimum wage legislation and by general maternity leave legislation. Provisions do not cover domestic workers being fired without a valid reason, though. Moreover, decent work in this sector is only implicitly included in standards governing working conditions.

28

There has been an increase in registered fatal or non-fatal occupational injuries by the Ministry of Civil Service and Labor: In 2010 had 64 cases, while 2013 had 229 work-related accidents, including nine fatalities. Most accidents related to the mining sector. In the non-unionized informal sector and despite the law, it was unlikely that workers could exercise this right without jeopardizing their employment.

29

After years of criticism of occupational safety and health and possible contamination of drinking water, the French atomic-energy multinational Areva that controls the large uranium mine in Niger, launched a Health Observatory of the Agadez Region (OSRA) in 2012. Areva employs around 1,600 people in Niger.

30

Mercury is often used in the extraction of gold, leading to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) risks.

31 It has

been registered that SNAAN, SNTIN and SUPRA have 10 OSH committees at workplaces.

32

There were around 100 inspectors in the entire country, but despite the 2012 labour code strengthened labor inspectors’ authority and penalties, the number of investigations and prosecutions were still inadequate compared to the size of the country’s labor problems, e.g. some inspectors do not even have a vehicle to carry out visits and usually perform requisitions. These 100 labour inspectors cover one per 55,510 workers in the labour force. The ILO recommends one inspector per 40,000 workers in less developed countries and one per 20,000 workers in transition economies.

33

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Workforce

The country has a total population is 17.2 million with a labour force of 5.6 million workers in 2012; and the population is growing at one of the fastest rates in the world, i.e. 3.4 % per year. It has also one of the most rapid growths of labour in the world together with Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. It is estimated that less than 33% of the population were in urban areas in 1990 and it will remain in 2020.

35

There is a striking difference between male and female employment. For example the employment rate of the female age 15+ in Niger is 38%, while it is 85% for males in Niger and a 59% in Sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. Unemployment can account for some of the difference, but mostly it is because women have a much lower participation in the labour market.

Working Poor2

Age 15+

Share of workers

in total employment

Region 1.25 USD

a day 2 USD a day

Niger (2008) 44 % 75 %

Sub-Saharan Africa (2007)

47 % 70 %

Sub-Saharan Africa (2012)

40 % 64 %

Working poor measures employed people living for less than US$1.25 and US$2 a day, as proportion of total employment in that group.

The latest data for working poverty in Niger is from 2008. 44% of the working Nigeriens lived for under US$1.25 a day and 75% for under US$2. This was at a comparable level to Sub-Saharan Africa in 2007. Relative to Sub-Saharan Africa, Niger has a smaller middle class, though not one of the smallest. In 2010, 9% of Nigeriens lived for US$2-4 a day and 5% for US$4-20 a day, compared to Sub-Saharan Africa where 14% lived for US$2-4 a day and 10% for US$4-20 a day.

36

Unemployment and underemployment

Unemployment was reported to be 16% in 2005 and underemployment at 35%. The concept of underemployment does sometimes also include those who are employed below their skill-level, whereas the measure for Niger is confined to time-related underemployment, indicating those who worked less than 40 hours per week.

Unemployment and underemployment37

(2005)

Region Unemployment Underemployment

Total 16 % 35 %

Urban 19 % -

Rural 15 % -

Male 12 % 33 %

Female 25 % 38 %

Employment rates34

(2012), Age and Sex distribution (%)

Sex Age Employment

rate

Male & female

Total 15+ 61 %

Youth 15-24 53 %

Adult 25+ 66 %

Male Total 15+ 85 %

Youth 15-24 74 %

Adult 25+ 91 %

Female Total 15+ 38 %

Youth 15-24 33 %

Adult 25+ 41 %

61

53

66

85

74

91

38

33

41

00 20 40 60 80 100

15+

15-24

25+

Female Male Male & female

13

Underemployment mainly affects the rural population (86%), due to seasonal changes in activity.

38

Unemployment is more common in urban areas, and is more than double the rate for women. The unemployment number is very high considering the general poverty and lack of social protection in Niger, and likely covers persons, who have some mean of support. Youth unemployment rate is high at 24% for young people aged 15 to 29. Many young people enter the labour market each year due to population growth. The government’s strategy for accelerated development and poverty reduction (SDRP) recognises a structural mismatch between the demand and supply of employment due to the strong population growth, job insecurity and vulnerability of the informal sector, limited job creation in the public sector and the formal sector and inadequate training programs.

38

A national employment agency exists in Niger (Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi - ANPE). Its role is to help employers to hire and to help jobseekers to find jobs. In 2007 it had registered 20,301 jobseekers and 2,681 job offers, differentiated on type of jobs.

39 A reported

60% of first-time jobseekers use the ANPE.40

Considering the high rates of unemployment and underemployment - as well as the many working poor and that in the survey of 79 hairdresser in Niamey - they worked as much as 68 hours a week and assuming this is representative, it indicates that vast disparities between segments on the labour market and working Nigeriens. Time related underemployment is common in Niger. In 2008, 70% of workers worked less than 40 hours, most of which were rural (73% of agricultural workers work less than 40 hours per week).

41 A survey from 2012 of

79 hairdressers in Niamey found that they work a mean of 6.9 days a week and 9.9 hours a day.

42

Interpretation of the open unemployment and employment rates as indicators of a well-functioning labour market is problematic in developing countries. When unemployment is not an option where a person can survive, work of some sort has to be found, often casual and informal work. Unemployment should therefore be understood in relation to the strength of social safety nets, the prevalence of informal employment and how much of informal employment is underemployment due to few formal employment possibilities.

43

14

Sectoral employment

The graph above shows contrasts in the amount of GDP generated in different industries compared to the number of people employed in these industries. Agriculture is the largest sector employing about 57% of the workforce and contributing with 43% to GDP. In most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of women are employed in the agricultural sector and more women work in this sector than men. In Niger, however, almost five times more men than women work in agriculture, which is largely due to the low share of women in employment. But of the working women most find work in other industries, at 38% of women work in agriculture compared to 64% of working men. Manufacturing in particular has a large share of women employed. Though uranium and gold mining are prominent export industries in Niger, the mining and quarrying sector still only accounts for about 7% of GDP, and employs around 3% of the workforce.

The sector share of GDP has been stable, except in 2004-2005 where the agriculture sector experienced a food security crisis due to rains, desert locust plague damage, high food prices, and poverty. In affected area, 2.4 million people are considered highly vulnerable to food insecurity.

Sector share (% of GDP)46

The oil-rich Niger River Delta has been unstable, but is improving and oil revenues have increased.

47

38 40 40 40

20 25

43 41 43 39 41

38 38

18 17 17 17 18 15 11 13 14 15 16 16

20

44 43 43 43

62 60

46 46 43

46 43 46 41

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70

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Agriculture Industry Services

Employment (2005)44

& GDP share (2012)45

Sector & Sex distribution – (Graph without Agriculture)

Sector Male

employment Female

employment GDP share per sector

Mining and quarrying 75,600 17,300 11.5 %

Manufacturing 55,554 148,197 6.5 %

Electricity, gas and water N/A N/A 1.2 %

Construction 66,442 2,349 2.6 %

Trade, restaurants and hotels

378,623 326,510 14.2 %

Transport and communication

46,752 1,570 6.5 %

Finance, real estate and business services

133,908 34,075 3.2 %

Public administration, education & health

74,599 30,375 8.7 %

Other services N/A N/A 5.8 %

Agriculture 1,534,401 344,936 40.9 %

5,0%

8,7%

3,2%

6,5%

14,2%

2,6%

1,2%

6,5%

11,5%

0% 3% 6% 9% 12% 15% 18% 21%

0 100.000 200.000 300.000 400.000 500.000 600.000 700.000

Male Female GDP share by Sector

15

Migration

The regional tense situation due to heavily armed islamists groups that occupied the Northern part of Mali have triggered refugees flooding into Niger. Notwithstanding, it is estimated that yearly 5,700 more emigrate than immigrate. Remittances play a role in Niger's economy on the same rate than other Sub-Saharan Countries.

Migration48

Net migration (2008-2012)

Niger - 28,497

Net migration to average population per year (2008-2012)

Niger - 1 : 2,793

inhabitants

Sub-Saharan Africa

- 1 : 2,838 inhabitants

Personal transfers i.e. remittances received, % of GDP

Niger (2010) 2.3 %

Sub-Saharan Africa (2012)

2.4 %

Net migration is the total number of immigrants less the annual number of emigrants, including both citizens and noncitizens.

It has been estimated that the main countries of destination of Nigerien migrants are Burkina Faso (28%), Côte-d’Ivoire (26%), Nigeria (12%), Guinea

Conakry (11%), followed by Ghana (5.2 %), Togo (3.4%), and Benin (3%). West Africa is the leading destination of Nigeriens, as 88% of Nigerien expatriates are concentrated in 7 West African countries. All in all, more than 89%t of Nigerian emigrants are based in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries.

49

A prolonged economic crisis during the 1980s-90s declined growth rates of the immigrant stock since immigrants struggled to find employment. The economic prospects due to the exploitation of oil, uranium and gold deposits, indicates that the international immigrant population will progressively increase. Some 240,000 Nigeriens returned from Libya in 2011, both workers and ex-combatants, having little possibility of employment.

50 During the year 2012

there were an influx of at least 40,000 refugees from Mali into Niger, straining the country’s low food supply.

51 Currently, Nigeria's army offensive against

Islamist militants has pushed nearly 40,000 refugees over its northern border into Niger.

52

Informal Economy

The formal waged sector in Niger is very small, counting less than 120,000 waged employees. In 2010 there were 40,400 public employees of those 30% were women.

53 In 2007, there were 54,000 persons in

formally waged private or semi-public employment. Based on a rough estimation suggests that 93% of the labour force operate in the informal economy. An outdated national survey from 1995 of the informal sector exists for Niger. It differentiates between urban, rural, region, and type of establishment. The National Statistical Institute has planned a new national survey of the informal economy, but it awaits publication.

54

Some 90-95% of the population have to find a way of surviving in the rapidly growing informal economy, especially in the transport, trade, construction, and service sectors. Employment in these sectors is

precarious, less qualified, and less productive with low revenue. The informal sector has grown significantly because many young people enter the labour market each year, and few of them find job in the formal sector. The Nigerien trade union movement has extended its services to the informal sector. USTN have around 50,000 members from the informal economy, mainly the union FENISPROCTAM, which organises around 23,000 motorbike-taxi riders and is the largest affiliate organisation of USTN. SYNATRA is a union for informal workers that are also affiliated to USTN. Approximately 80% of the workforce was employed in the non-unionized subsistence agricultural and small trading sectors. And, it is estimated that 80% of the mining workforce worked in the informal sector.

55

16

Child Labour

The 2012 Labor Code sets the minimum age for employment at 14, including for apprenticeships. While children ages 14 to 18 may work a maximum of 4.5 hours per day, the law also requires that no child or apprentice be employed in work that exceeds his or her strength. The Ministry of Labor and Civil Service’s National Action Plan (NAP) to combat the worst forms of child labor covers a period of 2010-2015 and the sectors of agriculture, mining, domestic labor, begging, and commercial sexual exploitation.

56

Child labour is widespread in Niger and children work especially in the agricultural, commercial, handicraft, mining, and domestic service sectors. Around 42% of children aged 5-17 were estimated to be engaged in child labour in 2009. It has also been registered that children aged 5-14 who are in employment has not diminished in the period 2006-2012. Moreover, 27% of children between the ages of 7 and 17 divided their time between work and school. Children in employment is more common among the poorest quintile of households (52%) compared to the richest (33%), more common the rural areas (43%)

than urban (20%), but at almost the same rate for girls and boys.

57

ILO reported that Niger is both a country of origin and destination for trafficking of children as well as children are found in hazardous types of work, particularly in mines and quarries at informal sites where they accompany their parents at work. It is also indicated that 83% of children in employment aged 5-17 are engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

58

Working children Proportion of all children aged 5-14 Region Age Year Type Proportion

Niger

5-14 200659 Children in employment

47 %

5-14 201260 Children in employment

48 %

5-17 200961 Children labour 42 %

Sub-Saharan Africa

5-17 201262

Children in employment

30 %

Child labourers 21 %

Hazardous work 10 %

Children in employment include all children who conduct some kind of work, whereas child labourers is a narrower term without mild forms of work. Hazardous work is the worst from of child labour as defined in ILO C182.

Gender

There are very large gender differences on the Nigerien labour market. Although the Constitution of 2010 covers equality by law, women are confronting discrimination due to a persistent gender stereotype. On the Gender Inequality Index, Niger scores 0.707, which places at 146 out of 148 countries.

63 This index

demonstrates the loss to potential achievement in a country due to gender inequality across reproductive health, empowerment and labour market participation. It is estimated that two out of three of the poor population are women.

64

As noted elsewhere in this report: The gender difference in employment are very large, with only a female employment rate of 38% compared to male at 85%, reflecting that many women do not enter the labour market. Of those who do, most work outside agriculture as only 38% of working women work in agriculture compared to 64% of men. Women predominantly find work in the sectors of Manufacturing and Trade, Restaurants and Hotels. Niger is one of only five other Sub-Saharan African countries that have maternity benefits fully or partly funded by the social security schemes.

It appears women do not have the same access to employment either, as only 17% of waged workers are women,

65 and of public employees 30% are women.

Unemployment and underemployment affects women more than men, with double the unemployment rate for women than men. A report by Save the Children in 2012, placed Niger as the worst country to be mother. The causes were mainly Niger’s food crisis, but also low levels of income relative to men.

66

Females in management and ownership, 2009 (%)

67

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

% of firms with female topmanagement

% of firms with female participation inownership

Niger Sub-saharan Africa Low income

17

Youth

In Niger 67% of the population is below 25 years of age. The problem of youth unemployment and underemployment is acute, given that the lack of job opportunities threatens to undermine the country’s political and economic stability.

68

Youth unemployment rate in Niger (%)

69

Based on estimations of unemployment of youth ages 15-24 in 2012, which diverge from the previously mentioned data due to different calculations and methods, Niger has a low youth unemployment rate of 7.2%, while the share of youth unemployed in total unemployed at 44%.

70 Based on comparative data,

Niger places at 142 out of 147 countries, which indicates a low unemployment rate.

71

Niger has a Ministry of Youth and Sports and a National Youth Council (CNJN) which oversees youth affairs for the government. Niger has also drafted two background papers on youth development and protection, the National Policy Statement on Youth and the National Youth Charter. It has not been possible to collect the content of these documents, though. The Government of Niger has taken steps in the last several decades to engage its young people in society by instituting several broad-reaching civic participation programs. At the same time, some civil society and international organizations are also expanding youth civic participation opportunities; however more investment in this sector is necessary to benefit young people and the country as a whole.

72

It was assessed in 2006 that three out of four women aged 20 to 24 in Niger were married by age 18, the highest proportion in the world. Moreover, women in Niger give birth to an average of seven children.

00

10

20

30

40

50

1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012

Share of youth unemployed in total unemployed (%)

Male - Youth unemployment rate (%)

Female - Youth unemployment rate (%)

18

Characteristics of the Working Age Population

Nigeriens have an average of 1.4 years of schooling in total, largely because around 80% of the population has never been to school. This is an extremely low amount. There is also clear differences between the genders as women are much more likely to not go to school than men. The graph above shows the educational attainment of all Nigeriens above 25 years, therefore gives a glance of the human capital of the labour force.

Although the socioeconomic conditions of young people have improved somewhat over the past few years, and the primary school enrollment rate rose from 37% in 2001 to 76% in 2010/2011, there are still sharp disparities between regions, socio-economic groups, and genders. In 2011, the national gross enrollment ratio (GER) for boys was 85% compared to 67% for girls, while the GER in urban areas was 99% as against 70% in rural areas. In contrast, in secondary school, the gross enrollment ratio was 10% in 2010.

75

Enrolment in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary schools (2000-2011)48

Total and Female, Niger and Sub-Saharan Africa

Net enrolment is the ratio of children of official school age, who are enrolled in school to the population of the corresponding official school age. Gross enrolment is the ratio of total enrolment, regardless of age, to the population of the corresponding official school age. Gross primary enrolment is therefore sometimes higher than 100 %.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

200

0

200

1

200

2

200

3

200

4

200

5

200

6

200

7

200

8

200

9

201

0

201

1

Net primary school enrolment

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

200

0

200

1

200

2

200

3

200

4

200

5

200

6

200

7

200

8

200

9

201

0

Gross secondary school enrolment

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

200

0

200

1

200

2

200

3

200

4

200

5

200

6

200

7

200

8

200

9

201

0

201

1

Gross tertiary school enrolment

Niger ,Totalenrolment

Niger ,Femaleenrolment

SSA , Totalenrolment

SSA ,Femaleenrolment

Highest level attained and years of schooling in the population73

(2010), Population 25+, Total and Female

Highest Level Attained Total Female

No Schooling 78.2 % 87.2 %

Primary Begun 7.0 % 4.3 %

Completed 9.8 % 6.1 %

Secondary Begun 1.9 % 0.9 %

Completed 2.1 % 1.0 %

Tertiary Begun 0.4 % 0.2 %

Completed 0.7 % 0.4 %

Average year of total schooling 1.4 years 0.8 years

Educational Gini Coefficient 0.84 0.90

Primary, secondary and tertiary is the internationally defined distinction of education. In Denmark these corresponds to grundskole, gymnasium & university.

The educational Gini Coefficient is similar to the Gini Coefficient, but instead of measuring the distribution of income in a population, it measures the distribution of education measured as years of schooling among the population.74

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Total

Female

No Schooling Primary - Begun Primary - CompletedSecondary - Begun Secondary - Completed Tertiary - BegunTertiary - Completed

19

Enrolment into schools is very low in Niger. Enrolments into secondary and tertiary schools are especially low compared to Sub-Saharan Africa, and the gap does only appear to grow larger. Enrolment into primary schools is however increasing and has almost reached the same levels as Sub-Saharan Africa.

The differences between the genders are comparable to the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, but sometimes even smaller.

Vocational training

There has been a significant increase of pupils in vocational training in Niger from 6,607 in 2011 to 22,755 in 2012, which is part of a program from the World Bank.

76 It is calculated that the ratio of pupils in

vocational student to all pupils in secondary education at 3.1%, which is less than half of the average in Sub-Saharan Africa. Consistent with the low education levels in Niger, there is a very low ratio of population aged 15-24 at 0.3%, which is close to one tenth of the average in Sub-Saharan Africa. As also previously cited, the formal job market is very narrow in Niger, which indicates limited demand for labour. The economy does not create many jobs, and many jobseekers have insufficient qualifications. According to figures from the Ministry of Vocational Training, a million and a half young people ages 13 to 19 are neither in school nor employed and more than 50,000 graduates are unemployed. The adult literacy rate (one of the lowest in the world) was estimated at 29% in 2009/2010. Among women ages 15 to 49, the rate is only 12%, compared to 28% for men. Furthermore, 40% of young job-seekers were insufficiently qualified, with 29% having no training and only 8% with a vocational training certificate (but

no degree).77

It is estimated that around 36% of firms are offering formal training.

78

Vocational Training79

Pupils in vocational training (2012)

Niger 22,755

Ratio of pupils in vocational student to all pupils in secondary education

Niger 3.1 %

Sub-Saharan Africa

7.6 %

Ratio of pupils in vocational training out of 15-24 year olds

Niger 0.3 %

Sub-Saharan Africa

2.0 %

Niger’s ratio of pupils in vocational training to all pupils in secondary education were calculated on average for the period 2008-2012, while the Sub-Saharan Africa region is an average of the period 2007-2011. The 15-24 year olds are calculated as an average in the period 2005-2015.80

The USTN has promoted short-term vocational training activities, designed to workers from the informal economy, particularly for caterers and taxi bike riders. It has been successful and the number of members of trade unions has increased. One of the challenges is to be able to service the unions outside of the capital due to the long distances between regions as well as the difficult and expensive transport to regions. There is dialogue with the government to include the short-term education courses into the national vocational training courses.

81

20

Social Protection

Public spending on social protection schemes82 (2010)

Public social protection expenditure, excl. health

CFA Franc 15 billion

US$ 30 million

% of GDP 0.5 %

per capita 1.9 US$

% of government expenditure

3.8 %

Public health care % of GDP 2.4 %

Health social protection coverage

% of population 3.1 %

Trends in government expenditure in health

% changes per year (2007-2011)

-0.3 %

Benefits, coverage and contributions to pension schemes

83

(2006)

Social benefits for the active age % of GDP N/a

Sickness, maternity, employment injury, disability

% of GDP N/a

Active contributors to a pension scheme

15-64 years 1.3 %

Active contributors to a pension scheme, labour force

15+ years 1.9 %

The National Social Security Fund (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale - CNSS), managed by a tripartite council, provides social security in Niger. Benefits exist for family allowances, workers’ pensions for old age, disability and survivors, maternity protection and work injury. The scheme for family allowances is funded by employers at 8.4% of salary. Workers pensions are funded at 5.25% for both employees and employers. Work injury is funded at 2% of earnings for self-employed or 1.75% of salary by employers. Voluntary coverage is available for self-employed workers for the work injury benefit, otherwise only formal employed workers can benefit.

84

The CNSS covers workers in the formal private sector while the National Retirement Fund (Fond Nationale de Retraite) covers public employees. The regulations governing the systems are from 1965 and 1967. Waged workers are only an estimated 5% of the Nigerien workforce, and Niger’s social insurance schemes only cover 3% of the workforce. Social protection beyond the public scheme has primarily focused on emergency assistance, often as response to food shortages.

85

There has been a slight decrease on the government expenditure in health in the period 2007-2011 and has been extremely low of US$1.9 per capita. The active contributors to a pension scheme, which was 1.9% of active contributors above 15 years old, have been less than one forth in comparison with the Sub-Saharan Africa's average at 8.4%.

86

According to USAID,

87 community based mutual health

insurance organizations are becoming more prominent in Niger, very much from the bottom-up and through donors. The number of registered mutual health organisations increased from three in 2003 to seventeen in 2008. A strategic plan for mutual health organizations was adopted in 2008 by the government, but has not been implemented due to lack of resources. For a number of years, the ILO’s Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations has been noting the constant difficulties which Niger is facing in trying to implement the provisions of the Social Security Convention No. 102. These may mainly be attributed to the fact that the national social security scheme was designed to cover the formal sector, which, as already described, accounts for approximately 7% of the economically active population in Niger. The country is continuing to experience adverse conditions from the standpoint of the low rate of coverage of its social security system, the poor quality of medical care (especially with respect to maternity), and the level of pensions – all this in the context of a low-life expectancy on 52 years, and a very high poverty rate among the population.

88

The ILO's Convention No. 183 on maternity leave protection has not been ratified. Following the labour code of 1996, the Inter-professional Collective Agreement of 1992 and three other acts, maternity leave is set at 14 weeks: six week are compulsory, and eight can be taken after child is born. Maternity leave is fully paid; employers and the National Social Security Fund each pay half the cost.

89 Only five other

Sub-Saharan African countries have maternity benefits fully or partly funded by the social security schemes, there should therefore be a lesser barrier for women to be employed in Niger. Women need to have worked two years with an employer to receive the employer’s share.

90

21

General Economic Performance

Key Facts91

(2013 est.)

GDP (US$)

GDP per capita (PPP) (US$)

GDP real growth

Human Development

Index92

Gini Index (2007)

7.3 billion

800 3.6 %

0.304 34.0

222 of 229 countries

187 of 187 countries

95 of 139 countries

The Human Development Index (HDI) measures the average of a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living. This Gini Index is measured if income were distributed with perfect 'equality', the index would be zero; if income were distributed with perfect 'inequality', the index would be 100. In terms of the ranking, the first country has the highest inequality, while the number 136 has the highest equality.

Doing business93

Control of corruption

Government effectiveness

Rule of Law

168 of 189 countries

-0.78 (2007) -0.79 (2007) -0.66 (2007)

-0.69 (2012) -0.70 (2012) -0.74 (2012)

A high ranking on the Ease of Doing Business Index means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the start-up and operation of a local firm.94 The selected Governance Indicators95 cover the years 2007 and 2012 and ranging from ‐2.5 to 2.5; i.e. negative tendencies below the zero mean and unit standard deviation, score negative measurements.96

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, being at the bottom of the Human Development Index. GDP per capita measured in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is at also very low and growing slower than the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa. The economic growth decelerated in 2013 and reached an estimated 3.6%, on account of poor rains, following an exceptional agricultural harvest and the inception of oil production in 2012. The gross fixed capital formation has lost it fast growth tempo, but remains much higher than the Sub-Saharan Africa's average. Mining activities and services also continued to expand in 2013. Consumer price inflation, which reached a record-low 0.5% in December 2012, with abundant food supply, started to rebound in 2013 as food prices started to increase, but remained contained overall below 3%.

97 Niger also relies heavily

on donor support for basic needs.98

Higher than expected expenditures (wage arrears clearance, health and education goods and services, and security expenditures) as well as lower than anticipated non-tax revenue were offset with cuts in investment expenditures, which including co-financed

projects with donors, to maintain overall balance at 3% on commitment basis. The latest Gini Index ranks Niger 95 out of 139 countries, at a comparable level to Poland and Ireland. Equality in Niger is relatively high, which is related to the very low GDP per capita. The Doing Business indicator ranks Niger very low at 168 out of 189 countries. Niger scores low on all indicators, except Registering Property, which is a a medium level. Niger has made little progress in business reform. Niger does a minor better on the three Governance indicators, where Niger scores low.

GDP per Capita (PPP), trend and forecast99

GDP per Capita (PPP), trend and forecast99

Gross fixed capital formation (% of GDP)100

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Niger Sub-Saharan Africa

22

Trade

Trade and Foreign Direct Investment

101

2013 (est.)

Exports Imports FDI flow

(average 2008-12)102 FDI Stock

1.5 billion US$

2.3 billion US$

714 million US$

N/A 11 % of GDP 17 % of GDP 5.1 % of GDP

Niger is one of the world's largest exporters of uranium; and the exports are dominated by uranium and derived products. The French atomic-energy multinational Areva controls the large uranium mine in Niger, at 67% of the shares and the rest by the government of Niger. The country also has sizable reserves of oil. Oil production, refining, and exports are expected to grow significantly between 2011 and 2016. Top three export destinations are France, the United States, and Switzerland. Taking into consideration Niger’s low GPD per capita, the uranium production is a capital intensive industry that employs few people; and the high share of subsistence farmers even for Sub-Saharan Africa, the trading sector only has a small impact on the Nigerien workers.

Trade agreements

Niger is part of the Economic Community of the West African States. The treaty from 1993, which was revised in 2005, contains labour provisions with cooperation regarding harmonization of labour law and social security, promotion of women’s, youth and professional organizations, and consultation of the social partners.

103

Niger is also part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), which establishes a common currency and a custom union between several ECOWAS countries. Apart from affirming that migrant workers of the member states can enjoy equal benefits as nationals, the WAEMU treaty has no mentioning of labour matters. Niger is in the 2000 Cotonou Agreement on development cooperation between EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, which reaffirms

commitment to ILO’s Fundamental Conventions and includes provisions on cooperation on various labour and social issues.

104

Niger benefits from the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is a Generalised System of Preferences. It allows duty and quota free access for some products. Niger can be removed from AGOA, if the United States deems that Niger among other human rights issues do not seek to uphold the ILO Core Labour Standards and have acceptable minimum wages, hours of work and occupational safety and health. Niger was removed from the AGOA in 2009 due to the political changes that was deemed undemocratic. After the election in 2011, the United States restored Niger to the AGOA scheme.

105

Products share of exports (2011)106

Niger's main export markets (2013)

107

Radioactive Chemicals ;

42%

Refined Petroleum

(25%), ; 25%

Gold ; 8,2%

Uranium and Thorium

Ore; 5,8%

Used Clothing;

2,0% Various; 17,0%

Nigeria; 54% South Korea;

26%

Ghana; 7%

China; 4%

EU; 3% Others; 7%

23

References

1 Fast Decent Work Agenda survey of selected indicators by USTN in May 2014. 2 ILO, Key Indicators of the Labour Market Database 3 ILO, Decent Work Country Programme, Niger (2012-2015) 4 USTN data 5 ITUC, List of affiliated organisations, 2012 6 ITUC, List of affiliated organisations, 2012 7 U.S. Department of State, Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2011 8 ILO, NATLEX, Loi n° 2012-45 du 25 septembre 2012 portant Code du travail de la République du Niger 9 LO/FTF Council 10 ILO, 12th African Regional Meeting, Report of the Credentials Committee, AFRM.12/D.5, 2011 11 Gouvenment du Niger, Textes Fondamentaux 12 ILO, NATLEX, Loi n° 2012-45 du 25 septembre 2012 portant Code du travail de la République du Niger 13 ILO, NATLEX, Country Profile Niger, Basic Laws 14 ILO, NORMLEX 15 ITUC, Countries at Risk: Violations of trade union rights, 2013 16 U.S. Department of State, Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Niger, 2013 17 ILO, Report of Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, 102nd Session, 2013 18 USTN 19 ILO, INTEGRATION, Executive Summary - Decent Work Country Profile - Niger, 2012 20 WageIndicator.org, Salaries, Minimum Wages in Niger with effect from 17-08-2012 21 IFC, World Bank, Doing Business 2013, 10th ed. 22 IFC & World Bank, Doing Business 2014, Niger 23 ILO, Global Wage Report 2012/13 24 ILO, Global Wage Report 2012/13 25 U.S. Department of State, Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2013 26 ILO, Global Wage Report 2012/13 27 U.S. Department of State, Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2013 28 ILO, Decent work for domestic workers, Report IV(1), 2010 29 U.S. Department of State, Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2013 30 Reuters, Areva to monitor health of Niger mine workers, 6 December 2011. 31 The Guardian, 'Niger's resources should go towards helping the Nigerien people', 25 October 2012 32 USTN data. 33 ILO, Press Release, ILO calls for strengthening labour inspection worldwide, 16 November 2006 34 ILO, Key Indicators of the Labour Market Database 35 UNCTAD, The Least Developed Countries Report 2013, Chapter 3, Employment Trends in LDCs 36 African Development Bank, The Middle of the Pyramid: Dynamics of the Middle Class in Africa, April 2010 37 Based on QUIBB_2005_INS_MEF: ILO, Habi, Mesure et suivi du travail décent au Niger, 2011 38 Republique du Niger, Stratégie de Développement accéléré et de Réduction de la Pauvreté 2008 – 2012, 2007 39 Institut National de la Statistique, Analyse des données de l’Enquête Nationale Budget/Consommation de 2007/2008, Emploi et pauvreté, 2010 40 AfDB, African Economic Outlook, Niger Country Note, 2012 41 ILO, INTEGRATION, Executive Summary - Decent Work Country Profile - Niger, 2012 42 LO/FTF Council 43 Kucera D. & Roncolato L. (2008), Informal Employment: Two contested policy issues, International Labour Review, Vol. 147 (2008). No. 4 44 ILO, Key Indicators of the Labour Market Database 45 AfDB, OECD & UNDP, African Economic Outlook 2014, Niger 46 World Bank, World Development Indicators 47 IRIN, Analysis: Niger Delta still unstable despite amnesty, November 25, 2011 48 World Bank, World dataBank 49 OIM, Migration au Niger : Profil National 2009 50 World Bank, Niger: Country Brief 51 The Guardian, Niger-Mali refugee crisis: 'We came with nothing … there is nothing to eat. Nothing', 15 August 2012 52 VoA, UN: Nigeria Offensive Drives 40,000 Refugees into Niger, November 13, 2013 53 Institut National de la Statistique, Le Niger en Chiffre, 2011 54 ILO, Report of Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, 102nd Session, 2013 55 U.S. Department of State, Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2013 56 U.S. Department of Labor, 2012 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, Niger 57 Institut National de la Statistique, Etude sur la pauvrete et les disparites chez les enfant au Niger 2008, Pauvreté des enfant, 2009

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58 ILO, Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012), Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Niger (Ratification: 2000) 59 Institut National de la Statistique, Etude sur la pauvrete et les disparites chez les enfant au Niger 2008, Pauvreté des enfant, 2009 60 U.S. Department of State, Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2013 61 ILO, Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012), Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Niger (Ratification: 2000) 62 ILO, Marking progress against child labour, Global estimates and trends 2000-2012, 2013 63 UNDP, Gender Inequality Index, 2012 64 ILO, Programme Pays de Promotion du Travail Décent au Niger 2012-2015 65 ILO, INTEGRATION, Executive Summary - Decent Work Country Profile - Niger, 2012 66 Save the Children, State of Worlds Mothers Report, 2012 67 World Bank, Niger Enterprise Survey - 2009 68 World Bank, Boosting Youth Employment in Niger, June 11, 2013 69 ILO, Key Indicators of the Labour Market Database 70 ILO, Key Indicators of the Labour Market Database 71 CIA, World Fact Book, 2013 72 ICP, Country Profile: Niger 73Barro, Robert and Jong-Wha Lee, April 2010, "A New Data Set of Educational Attainment in the World, 1950-2010." NBER Working Paper

No. 15902 74Calculation from based on Thomas, Wang & Fan (2001), with data sets fromBarro-Lee (2010) and Psacharopoulos and Arriagada (1986). 75 World Bank, Boosting Youth Employment in Niger, June 11, 2013 76 World Bank, Boosting Youth Employment in Niger, June 11, 2013 77 AfDB, African Economic Outlook, Niger Country Note, 2012 78 World Bank, DataBank 79

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