Togo: Energy modernisation, as the government equips the Nangbéto dam with state-of-the-art equipment
Togo has reached a major milestone in its strategy to secure and diversify its electricity supply. The Nangbéto hydroelectric dam, a strategic facility located in the Plateaux region that supplies both Togo and Benin, has now been officially inaugurated following a complete rehabilitation.
Financed with 25.5 billion CFA francs (approximately 39 million euros) by Germany through its KfW development bank, the work that began in 2019 aims to consolidate an essential pillar of the regional energy mix.
The recommissioning ceremony, jointly chaired by Togo’s Minister Delegate for Energy, Robert Eklo, and the Director General of the “Communauté Électrique du Bénin” (CEB), Kamirou Chabi Sika, underscored the vital importance of this nearly forty-year-old infrastructure.
With an installed capacity of 65 MW, Nangbéto remains a crucial source of energy for the two neighboring countries.
The scale of the work reflects the commitment of Togolese authorities to modernize their energy infrastructure in depth.
The project included the design, supply, and installation of new or refurbished equipment for the dam’s main components.
Technical work focused on the production core including the renovation of turbines and generators; as well as on safety and control systems, such as the spillway, power transformers, and electrical protection devices.
Control-command systems, lifting equipment, and water treatment systems were also upgraded to modern standards.
For Togo, this rehabilitation fits within a broader vision of energy transition and sovereignty. “This rehabilitation strengthens our national capacity and supports our ambitions for comprehensive electrification,” stated Minister Robert Eklo.
The initiative aligns directly with the government’s goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 by ensuring more reliable and efficient national production.
Beyond the technical dimension, officials have highlighted the lasting importance of regional cooperation. “The rehabilitation of Nangbéto marks a decisive step in securing our shared energy production. This modernized facility guarantees better performance, greater resilience, and increased availability,” said Kamirou Chabi Sika of the CEB.
This project thus illustrates the value of structured partnerships, both with international donors and with neighboring countries, in building resilient energy infrastructure.
By modernizing Nangbéto, Togo is not merely restoring an existing facility it is investing in the long-term stability of its grid and strengthening its role in the West African energy ecosystem.
This sends a strong signal to investors and citizens about the priority placed on sustainable and accessible energy.
Kodjovi Makafui
