PIDACC/ BN: AfDB Mission Reviews Progress and Calls for Collective Action

Niamey, September 18, 2025 – From September 9 to 18, 2025, the African Development Bank ( AfDB ) carried out a dialogue and monitoring mission in Niamey, headquarters of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA), to assess the progress of the Integrated Development and Climate Change Adaptation Program in the Niger Basin (PIDACC/BN).

Led by Mr. Laouali Garba , Division Manager AHAI.2, the mission worked closely with the NBA Executive Secretariat , the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU), the National Coordination Units ( NCUs ), and the national focal structures. The mission reviewed the implementation of the ten PIDACC/BN projects , financed at USD 182.4 million, measuring both achievements and remaining challenges.

Mixed progress

After six years of implementation , the overall execution rate of the Program stands at an average of 37%, with significant disparities among countries, ranging from 17% in Nigeria to nearly 58% in Ivory Coast. The average disbursement rate is 34%, a performance deemed insufficient compared to the established targets .

Delays are particularly noted in the establishment of community-based and multipurpose infrastructure, which are essential for strengthening population resilience and preserving the basin's ecosystems . Some technical studies are also behind schedule , especially in Mali and Nigeria, creating risks for completing the works before the planned closing date in 2027.

Multiple constraints

The mission identified several obstacles: low mobilization of national counterpart contributions, slow disbursement and justification of funds , delays in technical training, security constraints in some areas ( Cameroon , Mali, Niger, Nigeria), and instability of key personnel within some national units .

Recommendations to accelerate progress

During the wrap-up meeting chaired by NBA Executive Secretary Mr. Kocou Armand Houanye , stakeholders agreed on a set of recommendations , including :

• speeding up the processing of financing requests and resource justifications,
• summarizing delayed activities , particularly trainings and infrastructure works ,
• advocating with member countries to strengthen national counterpart contributions and secure funding .

• the rapid establishment of the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Fund (FRACC/BN), intended to guarantee the sustainability of investments.

A renewed commitment

The mission ended on a satisfactory note, with all stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to implementing the recommendations in order to boost the implementation of the PIDACC/BN and ensure that the populations of the Niger Basin receive the expected benefits in terms of climate resilience, food security and preservation of natural resources.