Niger is seeking fresh investment in its uranium industry after increasing state ownership in the Madaouela uranium project, part of a broader strategy to secure a larger share of mining revenues and strengthen control over its natural resources.
Under a newly signed mining agreement, the Nigerien government now holds a 40% stake in the Madaouela project, while Australian firm Atomic Eagle retains the remaining 60%. The arrangement reflects the country’s efforts to expand international partnerships while boosting state participation in the mining sector.
Atomic Eagle said the agreement signals continued investor interest in Niger’s uranium industry and will support efforts to attract financing needed to advance the project. The company aims to complete preparations and reach construction readiness within the next two years.
The development follows a separate financing agreement of up to $414.2 million for the Dasa uranium project, which is being developed by Global Atomic in Niger.
Government officials say the increased state stake is intended to ensure that a greater portion of mining revenues remains within the country. However, economic analyst Issoufou Boubacar Kado argued that the move represents stronger control over natural resources rather than full economic sovereignty, noting that Niger now has greater freedom to choose its investment partners.
The uranium sector is emerging as a key test of Niger’s strategy to balance greater national control over strategic resources with the foreign investment and expertise needed to develop them.
