Benin Shifts Power Strategy, Enlists Private Investment โฃfor Universal electricity Access
Porto-Novo,โฃ Beninโฃ – Benin is dramatically reshaping its energy sector, prioritizing private โsector investment to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. The countryโ plans to leverage โฌ720 million in private capital – representing 76% of the total funding – alongside a โฌ192.9 million state contribution, marking a significant departure from a historically state-dominated model.
Thisโข ambitious plan addresses a critical development gap: as โคof late 2024, only 42.6% of Benin’s population had access to electricity, despite a total installed capacityโค of 199.8 MW, with renewables accounting for just 16% of that capacity. the shift aims to attract self-reliant power producersโ through โa more favorable โregulatory habitat andโฃ improved financial viability, โwhileโข also integrating with the West African power grid โto ensure a stable supply. Benin’s strategy aligns with the broader “Mission 300″โค initiative, a continent-wide effort involving 18 African nations to accelerate electricity access.
Private investors are expected to mobilize approximately โฌ97 million specifically for off-grid electrification projects, โฃincluding mini-gridsโฃ and solar kits. The overall private sector contribution of โฌ720 million will be crucial โin meeting Benin’s electrification targets. The government intends to foster a more attractive investment climate and strengthenโข the financial foundations of the power system to encourage participation from independent โคproducers.
