Project Spotlight
Protecting Niamey from Climate-Driven Flooding

Delivering long-term flood resilience for the Republic of Niger

As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of flooding across the Sahel, the city of Niamey faces an escalating humanitarian and economic challenge. Home to more than one million people, the capital has experienced repeated flooding that has destroyed homes, schools, transport infrastructure and agricultural land, placing thousands of families at risk and causing significant economic losses. 

Recognising the strategic importance of protecting Niger’s capital, Due South Group has developed a comprehensive concept for a national flood resilience programme designed to safeguard communities, strengthen infrastructure and support sustainable economic development.

An Integrated Engineering Solution

Rather than relying on isolated flood defence measures, our proposed approach combines multiple engineering disciplines into a single coordinated programme, including:

  • Reinforcement and elevation of flood defences
  • River dredging to improve hydraulic capacity
  • Modern flood monitoring and early warning systems
  • Creation of emergency flood storage areas outside the city
  • Environmental and social impact assessments
  • Long-term climate resilience planning

This integrated approach is intended to provide a practical, sustainable and maintainable solution capable of protecting Niamey for decades to come

Building Projects That Attract International Funding

A key strength of Due South Group is not simply delivering infrastructure projects, but helping governments develop projects to the standard required by international development finance institutions.

For the Niamey Flood Protection Programme, our role includes preparing a bankable feasibility study incorporating:

* LiDAR surveys and hydrological modelling
* Engineering design
* Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
* Economic and financial analysis
* Governance and implementation planning

This work is intended to align with internationally recognised standards used by multilateral development banks, providing the technical foundation required to pursue grant and concessional financing.

Working with International Partners

The project concept brings together internationally recognised engineering expertise with local government leadership.

The proposal identifies collaboration with specialist engineering organisations including Beckett Rankine and Royal IHC, while supporting Government leadership through the Ministry of Hydraulics and the Ministry of Environment

Creating Long-Term National Value

The proposed programme is designed to deliver benefits extending far beyond flood defence.

Expected outcomes include:

  • Protection for more than one million residents
  • Increased resilience of schools, hospitals and transport networks
  • Reduced annual economic losses
  • New skilled employment opportunities
  • Improved environmental management of the Niger River
  • Enhanced climate resilience for future generations

    Beyond protecting infrastructure, the project aims to strengthen national engineering capability and support sustainable economic growth throughout the region.
Due South Group’s Role Due South Group specialises in developing complex infrastructure programmes from concept through to delivery. Our expertise combines project development, international stakeholder engagement, funding strategy, engineering coordination and programme management, enabling governments and development partners to transform strategic infrastructure concepts into investment-ready projects. The Niamey Flood Protection Programme demonstrates our commitment to delivering practical infrastructure solutions that improve lives, strengthen resilience and support sustainable development across Africa.