The Republic of Niger has expressed readiness to receive imports of mining products and technical expertise from Iran, signalling a potential deepening of trade ties between the two nations. This development follows a high-level meeting in Tehran on Monday between Niger’s Ambassador, Sidou Zataou Ali, and Iran’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, Mohammad Aghajani Lou, who also serves as Chairman of the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organisation (IMIDRO).

Ambassador Zataou Ali voiced optimism that a formal memorandum of understanding between the two countries would be finalised without bureaucratic delays. He extended an invitation to the IMIDRO chairman to visit Niger in order to explore investment opportunities in the West African nation’s mining sector. The ambassador further noted that an upcoming visit by Niger’s Minister of Mines to Iran would provide a suitable occasion to formalise the agreement.

He also expressed hope for the development of commercial channels, including maritime trade and supporting transport infrastructure, to facilitate stronger economic cooperation.

In response, Aghajani Lou emphasised Iran’s substantial capacity in the mining industry, adding that the country is actively seeking to export not only mineral products but also its engineering and technical expertise. He noted that IMIDRO’s initial efforts would focus on exporting mining products and know-how to Niger, subject to necessary legal frameworks being put in place.

The meeting was attended by several senior IMIDRO officials, including Somayeh Kholousi, Director of Planning and Empowerment; Omid Emami, Director of Mining and Mineral Industry Development Projects; and Amirnoujan Younesian, Director of Economic Affairs and Investment Development. The Iranian delegation presented an overview of the country’s capabilities in the mining and minerals sector.

According to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, the country exported around $14 billion worth of mineral and mining industry products last year. Despite these impressive figures, African markets currently account for only a small share of Iran’s mining exports. With around 7,000 active mines and an annual extraction volume of 600 million tonnes, Iran sees its mining sector as a pillar of domestic production and employment — and now, as a bridge to enhanced trade with Africa.