From 29 October to 2 November 2025, Niamey hosted the first edition of the Niger Architecture and Construction Fair – ARCHIMAT 2025. This event brought together architects, companies, institutions, and technical partners around a common goal: building a sustainable and inclusive future for Niger’s construction sector. A true showcase of innovation, the fair highlighted the challenges of training, professional integration, and digital transformation.
As a key player at the fair, Swisscontact stood out for its commitment to a more inclusive and skills-oriented sector. Through GWANI, a programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the organisation enabled over 400 young people in 2025 to access dual and mentored apprenticeships in essential trades: plumbing, building electricity, tiling, painting, carpentry, metal construction, and masonry.
This momentum was reinforced by the PEAJ project, which facilitated the integration of 75 young people into construction or rehabilitation projects for Communal Centres for Youth Education and Learning (CCEAJ).
These initiatives illustrate a model based on practice, public-private collaboration, and the promotion of local skills. They address a key priority for development agencies: creating sustainable and inclusive economic opportunities for youth.
Swisscontact goes beyond technical training. The organisation works to break gender stereotypes in construction. Through the promotion of positive masculinity and support for the Gwana network (bringing together around thirty women leaders: architects, engineers, scientists, etc.), Swisscontact is paving the way for greater female participation in technical and scientific professions.
During the fair, the roundtable on women’s role in construction left a strong impression:
ARCHIMAT 2025 was also an opportunity to promote the digital transformation of the sector. Nana Hadiza, energy consultant and member of the Gwana network, advocated for the integration of modern tools such as 3D modelling, drones, artificial intelligence, and connected sensors. These technologies are essential to improve performance, enhance safety, and ensure the sustainability of construction projects.
The quality of contributions and the impact of projects earned Swisscontact the Best Stand Award at the close of the fair. A recognition that confirms the relevance of its approach: building Niger’s future with an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable construction sector.