Niger, July 29 -- The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a loan of $144.27 million to Niger for the first phase of a program that will reform energy sector laws and address the country's critical power shortage.Niger's Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Program is expected to address governance challenges by strengthening public financial management systems, particularly tax revenue mobilization and tax revenue control system. It will also support the clearance of domestic arrears, public-private dialogue, and the adoption of an industrial and commercial policy to bolster support for Nigerien businesses. The Bank's support will underpin ambitious energy objectives, including increasing na...