Algeria Targets Niger Banking Expansion as African Financial Push Accelerates
By Dr. Hana Saada
Algeria has filed an application to open a banking branch in Niger, marking the latest step in its accelerating financial expansion across Africa after launches in Mauritania and Senegal.
Abdelhafid Haned, chief executive of Senegal-based ABS Bank — a lender fully backed by Algerian capital since 2023 — said the approval request was submitted around ten days ago to Niger’s monetary authorities and that operations could begin before the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Speaking during the African Investment and Trade Forum in Algiers, Haned said the move reflects Algeria’s strategy to deepen its economic footprint across the continent and position itself as a regional financial hub. He linked the planned expansion to growing Algeria-Niger economic ties, including major agreements involving Sonatrach, Sonelgaz and Algérie Télécom.
Haned described ABS Bank’s performance in Senegal as “very positive,” saying the institution had become fully operational across digital banking, trade finance, advisory services and support for Algerian companies expanding into African markets.
The forum also highlighted the growing role of Algerian banks in intra-African trade financing. Diallo Aboubekrine, executive director of Algerian Union Bank, said Algeria-Mauritania trade exceeded $500 million during the first five months of the year, compared with roughly $50 million two to three years ago.
Panel discussions further underscored calls for a digital African financial platform, stronger SME financing mechanisms and renewed debate over the creation of a common African currency aimed at reducing losses linked to dollar conversion costs.
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