Tessaoua, formerly known as Tessawa, is a city located in the Maradi Region of Niger.

Tessaoua is a midpoint on a historical trade route between Agadez, Niger, in the north and Kano, Nigeria, in the south.

During the collapse of the sultanates of Bornu and Sokoto during the late 19th century, the local ruler declared his territory the sultanate of Tessaoua; he signed a treaty of protection with the French captain Cazemajou in 1897, prior to the explorer's murder in nearby Zinder.

Tessaoua used to be a regional capital, until political power was shifted to Maradi.

Many non-governmental organisation (NGOs) also have regional headquarters in Tessaoua, which allows them access to surrounding rural villages.