Depending on the organization, outgoing skilled workers are provided with living space by the state of Niger or a house is rented by the sending organization. In some cases, the skilled workers also have to look for living space on their own. The standard of the houses can vary widely but is generally high. Often the plots of the older houses are very large (depending on the region), so that it is possible to create a garden and keep animals. The properties are mostly surrounded by a 1.50 – 2.50 m high wall, which offers protection from unwanted guests and can serve to respect privacy; at the top, this wall is often ‘secured’ with broken glass. Doors and windows should be provided with mosquito screens. If this insect protection does not already exist, so you should have it created before you move in. A slat mosquito curtain in front of an outside door is practical – but you have to bring it with you from Europe. Fridges, gas stoves and furniture can be bought on site without any problems; the expats’ internet platforms (see below) offer a good source of information (French and English). Special high-tech devices should also be brought along, hi-fi systems or boom boxes are available on site. For all equipment, be aware that it should withstand exposure to heat, sand and moisture. As in Germany, the mains voltage is 220 volts / 50 Hertz. A voltage regulator for sensitive electronic devices is recommended. Power cuts of a shorter duration (or sometimes longer) occur. For all equipment, be aware that it should withstand exposure to heat, sand and moisture. As in Germany, the mains voltage is 220 volts / 50 Hertz. A voltage regulator for sensitive electronic devices is recommended. Power cuts of a shorter duration (or sometimes longer) occur. For all equipment, be aware that it should withstand exposure to heat, sand and moisture. As in Germany, the mains voltage is 220 volts / 50 Hertz. A voltage regulator for sensitive electronic devices is recommended. Power cuts of a shorter duration (or sometimes longer) occur.
According to programingplease, you can get an impression of life as an employee (or MAP = accompanying spouse) at GIZ in Niger in some film sequences.
You can get in touch with international colleagues at InterNations, the French expat, EasyExpat and the special page for female expats in Niger. Here you will find furnishings and contacts as well as very personal practical tips. The jointly organized hash in the Niamey area is not only a sporting but also a social gathering of locals and strangers.
Overall, water from the central supply is available almost without disruption, although this can differ locally. Some houses already have their own water storage facility. Otherwise, short-term water storage in a plastic bin is certainly an inexpensive and simple solution. But traditional storage in a clay canary is also recommended, because cooled water is always available in the hot season. Disinfectants are added to the water in Niamey, so consumption is not recommended.
The supply of vegetables, fruit, meat, spices, etc. at the local urban markets is good to very good. Vegetables to be eaten raw should be washed thoroughly with potassium permanganate or something similar. Most of the meat in Niamey comes from the slaughterhouse, but cooked or roasted consumption is advisable. The meat should be washed thoroughly, as fragments of bones often adhere to the meat.
In the capital Niamey, where most of the employees of the various development cooperation organizations now live, the supply of food and luxury goods to one’s own household is ensured. There are a number of supermarkets – mostly in Lebanese hands – which offer a wide range of different goods from Europe, the Arab countries and Asia. You can buy everything from counters with fresh produce to electrical goods. Otherwise, the many small shops / ’boutiques’ / kiosks offer basic supplies. Groceries, fruit, vegetables, household items and clothing can be found in the markets or the decentralized stalls in the residential areas. Mosquito nets are also available there.
In Zinder, the selection and quality of the goods offered is satisfactory. There are only a limited number of refrigerated products. The shopping facilities in Diffa cover the basic needs. Vegetables and salads are only available here between December and March. The supply in Tahoua is also quite good; meanwhile, some refrigerated goods also get there. However, fresh vegetables and fruit are usually only available during harvest time.
Due to its proximity to the gardens of the Air, Agadez has a good supply of fruit and vegetables for a few months; Until the unrest in northern Niger and Mali, the supply of external goods was very good in Agadez because of the airport.
The Solani dairy in Niamey has ensured a milk supply with good quality fresh milk that is pasteurized. This is offered in ½ liter bags in various local supermarkets, but also in the shops of some petrol stations. With a bit of luck, you can also get fresh butter in local supermarkets. There are some other ‘dairies’ (Laban, Nigerlait), but these only process milk powder into sweetened sour milk beverages (“Kossam” (Fulfulde: milk) – however, it is a sweetened skimmed milk powder product), yogurt and other products. The number of bakeries and also good patisseries has increased.
The various markets in the city not only invite you to take a stroll, but also to be inspired. At the “Grand Marché” and craft market in Katako, it is better to go on a discovery tour accompanied by locals in order to get safely back out of the tangle of aisles onto the street.
It is a special experience to eat brochettes (meat skewers) – almost a national dish – on a terrace over the Niger in the evening and enjoy the sunset.
Departure with children
Niamey has international schools: the Lycée Francais La Fontaine, one of the most prestigious institutions, the American International School of Niamey, the Bedir Institute and others. In the meantime, private schools, some of which are also founded and supported by Nigerien people, are increasing. This development can be observed across the country. In addition to the University of Niamey, new universities were opened in Tahoua, Maradi and Zinder in 2011; the number of enrolled students increases from year to year, as does the number of departments opened.
