Niger, a landlocked country in the Sahel, has seen its economic relationship with China become more complex as of March 2025. As the junta-led government sought foreign financing and export revenue, disputes over pay gaps between expatriate and local workers led to the expulsion of three Chinese oil executives from the China National Petroleum Corporation. This incident highlighted the fraying ties between Niger's military-led government and one of its key foreign investors in the oil sector. Following this expulsion, China’s demand for Niger's Meleck oil weakened, shifting the landscape to more European bidders. The geopolitical dynamics of this relationship are underscored by Niger's active efforts to reclaim control over its resources amidst ongoing resource nationalism in the Sahel region. Despite the junta's intent to strengthen its economic position, it remains heavily reliant on foreign investment and expertise to develop its oil sector. The situation was further complicated when, in March 2026, the World Bank approved a $250 million grant aimed at bolstering Niger's financial sector. The following day, the IMF also approved a $90 million immediate disbursement, reflecting the urgent need for external funds to manage balance-of-payments financing and budgetary gaps in light of declining oil revenues. The IMF's warnings about potential financing gaps underscore the precarious fiscal state of the Nigerien government. Instability in the oil industry's profitability threatens fiscal sustainability for a government already battling financial constraints. This concern over budgets and resources aligns closely with the current score of 51 given to Niger by the Heritage Foundation’s 2026 Index of Economic Freedom, which ranks Niger 140th in the world. The overall economic climate is a balance of attempting to regain control from foreign powers while being in need of their capital. As Niger navigates through these complicated relationships, the importance of its oil sector cannot be overstated. The infrastructure provided by foreign investors like China is essential for exporting its oil through the pipeline to international markets, which is particularly vital for a landlocked country reliant on effective access to global trade routes. Although Niger's government may pursue resource nationalism, operating against the backdrop of its precarious economic reality limits its options for leveraging foreign investment while still ensuring its own interests are met. The evolving nature of this relationship with China will continue to influence Niger's economic landscape significantly.