Outcome NER_O_2

advancing partnership and resourcing effectively influencing for impact and scale

In 2023, UN Women, in its concern to strengthen the economic capacity and leadership of women and youth (girls and boys), concluded and signed a strategic partnership with the African Solidarity Fund through a Memorandum of Understanding on 19 January 2023. The objective of this partnership is to improve access to sources of finance to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. This initiative, labelled "Public-Private Partnership", brings together sectoral ministries and state institutions (SNFI, FISAN and FONAP) in charge of supporting and financing SMEs and SMIs, as well as commercial banks operating in Niger. To this end, 10 banks were identified and 7 due diligence requests were submitted to UN Women Headquarters, all of which were approved after analysis. The process is proceeding normally, with the recruitment of an international consultant to propose the strategy and support modules for the women and young entrepreneurs targeted by this initiative, even though the coup d'état in Niger has slowed down the process. The project will be implemented in 2024. Potential non-traditional donors have been identified and the first agreements have already been signed with some of them (Qatar, the Red Crescent, private banks) and contacts have been established with a view to mobilizing more resources to enable the Niger Office to translate its mandate and priorities in the country on the ground. These include Korea, Arab countries, financial institutions and bilateral and multilateral cooperation, etc.

advancing partnership and resourcing effectively influencing for impact and scale

In 2024, the un Women Niger office implemented a series of innovative strategic initiatives to address the challenges of gender equality and women's empowerment. These innovations, deployed in a complex context where gender inequalities remain persistent, testify to the organization's commitment to transforming the socio-economic realities of women and young people, while promoting an inclusive and sustainable approach. Drawing on a combination of innovative partnerships, programs integrating digitalization, and targeted funding projects, UN Women has been able to develop intervention models adapted to local needs while strengthening its strategic positioning in Niger. More than 35 million USD in guarantee lines mobilized from the African Solidarity Fund as part of the PPP-Fem-Jeunes Project, under the lead of the Ministry of Economy and Finance; Strengthened partnership with 10 commercial banks; Establishment of partnerships with IOFS; AEON Collective and AGFUND; Mobilization of traditional leaders around the promotion of digital technology for the benefit of young girls and women. Strengthened collaboration with the Ministries of Energy and Agriculture. The office intends to pursue strategic discussions with foreign chancelleries and cooperation offices accredited to Niger.