Niger and Switzerland have strengthened bilateral ties through the signing of two major agreements aimed at improving education and youth employment in Niger. The signing ceremony took place on June 25, 2025, in Niamey, led by Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, and the Deputy Head of the Swiss Cooperation Office, Laurent Dietler. Central to the new partnership is the launch of the “GUANI” program, a flagship initiative targeting the development of technical and vocational skills among Nigerien youth. The program seeks to bridge the gap between training and employment by aligning vocational education with market demands, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services.
In addition, Amendment No. 3 to the existing Programme d’Appui à la Qualité de l’Éducation (PAQUE III) was signed. This amendment expands Switzerland’s support for basic and secondary education in Niger, particularly in rural and underserved regions, with a focus on improving literacy, teacher training, and gender equality in classrooms.
Swiss officials emphasized that the renewed cooperation reflects a broader commitment to addressing root causes of poverty and migration by creating sustainable educational and economic opportunities for young people in Niger. Minister Sangaré hailed the agreements as “strategic tools” to empower the next generation and promote long-term national stability and development.
