It’s done. Since February 14, 2026, local banks and financial institutions in the Ader region can carry out their operations on-site, from the city of Tahoua, located 550 km northeast of Niamey, the capital. The inauguration of the auxiliary agency of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in this part of Niger, a commercial, agricultural, and pastoral hub, illustrates the BCEAO’s policy of proximity.
After the cities of Maradi and Zinder, a third city in Niger, Tahoua, officially houses an auxiliary agency of the BCEAO since February 14, 2026. The inauguration of this regional agency was presided over by the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, who cut the ribbon. “This is a major event that comes 45 years after the last auxiliary agency was created in Niger. I would like to remind you this morning to think about Agadez,” he said.
For the Prime Minister of Niger, this achievement fits perfectly with the region’s environment. “It is a tool for local financing that will allow the regional banking system to contribute more effectively to financing the economy and local development. It is also an undeniable vector of financial inclusion in a context characterized by a low rate of banking,” he said.
The Prime Minister of Niger took the opportunity to praise the economic potential of the region, including the production of cement for the country’s entire consumption and the wealth of its animal potential. “These are the foundations of agro-industrial development in the region in need of financing,” he mentioned. And he encouraged business people to trust the BCEAO. “Trust, which is the fuel of investment, is rebuilt through concrete actions, as mistrust does not disappear with a wave of a magic wand. By opening this agency, the central bank delivers to traders, cooperatives, and young people the following message: we believe in you,” he implied.
The cumulative volume of deposits and withdrawals is estimated at more than 600 billion CFA francs
This event, considered major by the economic agents of this region bordering Algeria, Nigeria, and Mali, was attended by the country’s financial elite. The Governor of the Central Bank, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, traveled to Tahoua for the inauguration of this architectural work, intended to improve cash circulation and economic transformation in the region.
The realization of this agency, according to the governor, reflects “the constant will” of the institution to support the establishment of banks and microfinance institutions, in order to strengthen banking, promote financial inclusion, and ensure better financial circulation. “The establishment of this agency in the city of Tahoua is fully justified, both by the region’s economic potential and the promising development prospects of its activities,” Mr. Brou further stated.
The presence of the BCEAO will help improve the quality and availability of banknotes and coins in circulation, providing a concrete response to the needs of economic operators and the general public. In addition, the auxiliary agency will facilitate fund transfers between banks and public treasury structures in the region, while contributing to reducing risks associated with fund transportation.
The new building is expected to accommodate at least 50 employees from the start of operations, a number that is expected to increase. For local actors, about ten companies, as service providers, will be mobilized to support the site’s operations, thus promoting future direct and indirect employment.
This region of central-west and northern Niger is inhabited by approximately 117,826 people. It currently hosts 11 banks out of the 14 licensed in Niger. This network of 16 branches of banking companies and 7 microfinance institutions, out of a national total of 37, present in this region, provides various financial services to the population.
Five payment institutions are also represented out of the six in Niger. Between 2023 and 2025, more than 600 billion CFA francs were recorded in cumulative volumes of deposits and withdrawals in this part of the country.
“It will reduce operating costs, control risks…”
Partners will now benefit from greater proximity to the Central Bank and its services. They expressed their joy at finally seeing an auxiliary agency closer to them. On their behalf, the President of the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions of Niger, Zenaba Sabo Dambaba, stated: “The opening of this auxiliary agency strengthens the support of the financial sector, improves the quality of financial services offered to the population, and significantly contributes to local and regional development. It will reduce operating costs, control risks related to fund transportation, and provide real-time access to assets in the books of the BCEAO.” The inauguration of this BCEAO agency marks a new beginning in the presence of the president of the Council of Ministers of the West African Monetary Union (UMOA), Burkinabe Dr. Aboubacar Nacanabo, was also present. The Prime Minister of Niger, his Burkinabe counterpart, and himself received a 24-carat gold medal from the Governor of the BCEAO. That of the President of the Republic of Niger, Abdourahmane Tiani, was handed to his Prime Minister.
