In Niger, meat is a key export product in the era of the creation of the Continental African Free Trade Area (CAFTA). This represents an opportunity for those involved in the production and sale of Kilichi.
Kiichi is a popular snack in Niger, enjoyed at ceremonies, parties and family gatherings. Appreciated for its spicy taste and tender texture, it is often carefully prepared to offer a variety of spicy flavours to snack lovers.
An extremely popular product both at home and abroad, mainly in the Central and Eastern corridors (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria and Chad), Niger's Kilichi obtained its registration certificate from the OAPI in April 2023. Following the award of this label, the government undertook accompanying measures to guarantee the hygiene and health safety of kilichi, as well as increasing production capacity.
As part of this support, PRSA Niger has financed the construction of two kilichi meat processing units equipped with solar dryers.
These Kilichi meat processing units will help to improve kilichi production through :
- improving kilichi drying techniques
- the installation of a field of solar dryers;
- the development of an innovative, environmentally-friendly kilichi production technology that can be replicated in the sub-region through public and/or private investment;
All this will help to improve the nutritional and hygienic quality of kilichi, increase kilichi production capacity in Niger and boost the incomes of kilichi operators by creating jobs, particularly for young people and women.
According to Mr Moustapha Ismaël, President of the Kilichi cooperative in Salewa, this production unit, financed by PRSA Niger, is operated by more than 300 producers, enabling them to organise themselves into groups for the first time in order to increase their production in hygienic conditions.
This PRSA initiative is part of the drive to increase income for Kilichi operators by creating jobs, particularly for young people and women.
