Türkiye and Niger have signed a provisional agreement to strengthen cooperation in the mining sector, marking closer ties as global powers compete for access to Niger’s uranium resources. The deal, signed after a visit by a Nigerien delegation to Türkiye, is intended to facilitate Turkish companies’ exploration efforts in Niger, according to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, who announced the news on X without providing specific project details.
Ibrahim Hamidou, head of communications for Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, stated that discussions focused on how Turkish companies could engage in Niger’s mining sector. However, it remains unclear whether Niger, now governed by a military junta following a coup last year, plans to grant Türkiye access to its existing or undeveloped uranium mines.
Niger, one of the world’s top uranium producers, revoked permits held by French and Canadian companies shortly after the coup. Since then, Russia has made moves to take over some assets, leveraging stronger relations with several African nations affected by last year’s political upheavals.
Turkey’s state mining company, Maden Tetkik ve Arama Genel Müdürlüğü, has previously explored gold deposits in Niger. In July, Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, visited Niger as part of Türkiye’s efforts to secure uranium for its emerging nuclear power industry, in line with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s broader strategy to deepen ties across Africa.
