Niger’s capital, Niamey, is hosting the first-ever Alliance of Sahel States (AES) trade fair, bringing together producers and entrepreneurs from across the sub-region.

The event, which began on Tuesday, is held under the theme “Produce, Process, and Consume Locally for Economic Sovereignty in the AES Space.”

It aims to promote locally made products and strengthen economic cooperation among AES member states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Organisers say the fair reflects a shared ambition to boost local industries, reduce dependence on imports, and advance economic sovereignty within the Sahel bloc.