Niger sets out upstream ambitions
The country expects to ramp up crude production and exports next year with the completion of its export pipeline via Benin
The $2bn Niger-Benin oil pipeline is Africa's longest pipeline at 2,000km—and 150km has already been built through a joint venture with Chinese company CNPC and the Nigerien government, the country’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Renewable Energies Sani Mahamadou tells Petroleum Economist. The landlocked nation currently produces around 20,000bl/d of crude, all of which is piped to the country’s Zinder refinery, near the border with Nigeria. Half of the resulting product is used domestically, covering the country’s limited requirements, and the rest exported to Mali, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. “When the pipeline is completed by next year, our production will jump to 110,000bl/d. We will s
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






