Who We Are

Caritas has existed in Niger since 1962 under the name Secours Catholique Nigérien (Niger Catholic Relief), and was restructured in 2005 with the Bureau d’Animation et de Liaison au Développement (BALD), itself created in 1984 by the Bishops of Niger, who founded CADEV Niger (Caritas Développement Niger). The aim of this restructuring was to improve the effectiveness and harmonization of charitable and development organizations, with a view to making their beneficiaries self-reliant.

It was officially established in March 2005 and is recognized by the State of Niger as an NGO under Nigerien law by Decree No. 296/MI/D/DGAPJ/DLP of 19 August 2005.

At the national level, CADEV Niger ranks among the country’s leading humanitarian and development organizations. It is recognized for its professionalism and for the soundness of its activities.

CADEV Niger has two diocesan bureaus, in Niamey and Maradi, which cover the entire territory, and a National Executive Secretariat based in Niamey, which serves as a space for coordinating actions between the bureaus and partners.

Caritas Développement Niger (CADEV-Niger) is an apolitical, non-denominational, non-profit NGO that works to implement the Church’s social pastoral ministry throughout the territory of Niger, according to the capacities and means available to it, as well as the presence of other actors.

Like other Caritas organizations, CADEV-Niger’s primary mission is to spread Christian charity. On the ground, it helps develop the growing participation of members of the Christian community in charitable work, and to strengthen the responsibility of pastoral workers.

The implementation of CADEV-Niger’s actions is made possible thanks to the Solidarity and Development Committees (C.S.D.), which are based in the parishes.

The projects initiated by CADEV Niger are genuine tools for dialogue and facilitators of exchange.

It strives to become a space that fosters Christian-Muslim dialogue through exchange and coexistence, enabling sharing and solidarity.

As an instrument of the Catholic Church, it helps people in difficulty regardless of their religion, ethnic group, or race.

It carries out emergency and development projects, in particular by combating chronic food insecurity in Niger, but its field of intervention is broader — it also works to promote Christian-Muslim dialogue and coexistence.

In 2019, CADEV Niger employed 129 staff (27 structural staff and 90 project staff) and 295 volunteers.

CADEV-Niger is a member of the Caritas Internationalis network, comprising 162 member organizations operating in 200 countries and territories.

Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of national Caritas humanitarian, social, and development organizations rooted in the Church’s Social Doctrine and guided by humanitarian principles.