A lightweight suit and tie are generally acceptable. A knowledge of French is essential, as interpreters are not readily available and executives seldom speak English.
Office hours:Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1500-1830; Sat 0800-1230.
Economy:Niger is one of the world's poorest countries. Around 90% of the population is employed in agriculture, although less than 5% of the land is cultivated. This situation is exacerbated by the ever-expanding Saharan desert, drought and locust plagues.
Less than one-tenth of the crops grown are cash crops, the rest being for domestic consumption. The nomadic population rears livestock. Niger's most valuable commodity is uranium. Gypsum, coal and tin ore are also extracted and oil deposits may exist.
In 2005, the IMF approved 100% relief of Niger's US$86 million debt burden. Inflation was at 7.8% in 2005, and annual growth at 3.5% in 2006.
Membership of the CFA Franc Zone affords some monetary stability. Niger is a member of West African trading bloc, ECOWAS.
GDP:US$3.6 million (2006 estimate).
Main exports:Uranium, livestock, cowpeas and onions.
Main imports:Foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles, petroleum and consumer goods.
Main trading partners:France, Nigeria, Russia, USA and China.
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to urban areas.
Internet:Internet access can be found in major urban areas.
Post:Airmail to Western Europe takes up to two weeks.
Post office hours:Generally 0730-1230 and 1530-1800.
Media:The state controls the main TV and radio stations, but private radio stations are on the increase. Low literacy levels mean radio is the most important news outlet.
Press:• Le Sahel is state run.
• Le Républicain is a weekly publication.
• Tele-Sahel is state run.
• Tenere TV is a private channel.
• Telestar runs a pay TV service.
• La Voix du Sahel is a state-run, national station.
• Private stations include Anfani FM, Horizon FM and Tenere FM.
