Côte d’Ivoire : Towards universal electricity access with $80 million financing
Ivory Coast sets ambitious goals in electrification, aiming to achieve a 100% electricity coverage rate by the end of 2025. In support of this vision, Enoh T. Ebong, the director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), announced a total financing of $80 million for development projects in the country.
During a press conference in Abidjan, Ms. Ebong specified that over $70 million of these funds would be allocated to strengthening the Ivorian electrical grid, particularly to cover hard-to-reach areas. A partnership with Côte d’Ivoire Énergies, the state-owned electricity transmission company, aims to develop an emergency control system for the electrical grid. The goal is to increase its stability and reduce power outages. The remaining funds will be dedicated to sustainable energy, digitization, and healthcare protection projects.
This financial support from USTDA falls within the framework of grant-based project support. Ivory Coast, in its development strategy, has committed to massive investments in the electricity sector, with an investment plan of 6.800 billion CFA francs (approximately $11.26 billion) for the period 2014-2030. This plan includes the realization of several important infrastructures as well as social programs, such as the National Rural Electrification Program (PRONER) and the Electricity for All Program (PEPT) to expand electricity coverage throughout the country.
These efforts have already borne fruit, with an electricity coverage rate increasing from 27.9% in 2013 to 65% in 2022, according to government data. Despite this progress, Ivory Coast still faces several challenges, including ensuring continuous electricity supply. The recent 10% increase in electricity prices last January highlighted the difficulties related to the profitability of companies in the sector. The government has emphasized that this increase is due to financial imbalance, with an estimated operating loss of 161 billion CFA francs for the year 2023.
In conclusion, with substantial financing from USTDA and strong commitment from the Ivorian government, Ivory Coast continues its journey towards total electrification of the country. These significant investments in the electricity sector demonstrate the commitment to provide reliable and accessible electrical service to all citizens, while contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
