Côte d’Ivoire is actively pursuing its energy transition by attracting private sector involvement in solar energy, aiming to decarbonize its energy mix while enhancing reliability, stability, and overall viability. This commitment was highlighted by the launch of the Bondoukou Solar project, a significant step towards achieving these goals.

On Friday, February 28, amea Power officially launched the construction of Bondoukou Solar, a 50 MW photovoltaic solar unit located in Bondoukou, Côte d’ivoire. The symbolic installation of the first stone was attended by Sangafowa Coulibaly, the Ivorian Minister of Mines, Oil and Energy, and David Falcon, the financial director of the Emirati group, Amea Power.

The bondoukou Solar project represents a substantial $60 million USD investment in Côte d’Ivoire’s renewable energy infrastructure. The project is being financed by the FMO (the Dutch growth institution) and DEG (the German development institution).This international collaboration highlights the confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s energy strategy and the potential for renewable energy growth in the region.

the project will be implemented under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model through Amea Goutougou, a company registered in Côte d’Ivoire. This model ensures that Amea Power will oversee the construction, operation, and eventual transfer of the solar plant to the ivorian government, fostering a long-term partnership and knowledge transfer.

The BOOT model is a common framework for large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in developing nations. It allows private companies to invest in and manage essential infrastructure, alleviating the financial burden on the government while ensuring efficient project execution and operation. The involvement of Amea Goutougou, a locally registered company, further emphasizes the commitment to local participation and economic development.

The genesis of the Bondoukou Solar project can be traced back to January 16, 2023, when Amea Power announced the signing of a concession agreement and a 25-year electricity purchase contract with the ivorian government. This agreement laid the foundation for the project, outlining the terms of operation and the long-term commitment to purchasing the generated electricity.

The project is expected to produce more than 85 GWh of clean energy per year, sufficient to supply electricity to approximately 350,000 people. This will significantly contribute to the country’s electrification efforts and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The clean energy generated will also help mitigate carbon emissions, supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to combating climate change.

The announcement of the project’s launch aligns with the “National Energy Pact” unveiled by Côte d’Ivoire at the Mission300 summit held in january 2025. This strategic framework is aligned with the national development plan for 2021-2025 and aims to achieve 45% renewable energy in the electric mix by 2030. The pact also seeks to mobilize $2 billion USD in private investments in the energy sector.

The “National energy Pact” represents a comprehensive roadmap for Côte d’Ivoire’s energy future. By setting aspiring targets for renewable energy adoption and attracting private investment, the country is positioning itself as a leader in enduring energy development in the region. The Bondoukou Solar project is a key component of this strategy, demonstrating the government’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy goals.

The completion of the Bondoukou Solar project is expected to provide a new impetus to the Ivorian energy transition and bring the country closer to its objective of worldwide access to electricity by 2030. It is also anticipated to encourage further private investments in the renewable energy sector, fostering a virtuous cycle of growth and development.

Universal access to electricity is a critical development goal for Côte d’Ivoire. By expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity, the country can improve living standards, promote economic growth, and enhance social inclusion. The Bondoukou Solar project is a significant step towards achieving this goal, providing clean and enduring energy to a large segment of the population.

Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitious solar project isn’t just about powering homes; it’s a masterclass in attracting private investment for sustainable development in Africa.

Interviewer (World-Today-News.com): Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in African energy development, welcome to World-Today-News.com. Côte d’Ivoire’s recent launch of the 50 MW Bondoukou Solar project has captured global attention. What makes this project such an significant milestone in the country’s energy transition?

Dr.Sharma: The Bondoukou Solar project is indeed a landmark achievement, representing a crucial step in Côte d’ivoire’s journey towards energy independence and sustainability.What makes it notably significant is its triumphant leveraging of the private sector, a model increasingly critical for developing nations striving for renewable energy adoption. This successful public-private partnership demonstrates the viability of attracting foreign direct investment in renewable energy infrastructure projects in Africa. It showcases a successful framework for other African nations looking to expand their renewable energy capacity.

Interviewer: The project utilizes a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. Can you elaborate on why this model is particularly effective for projects of this scale, especially in developing countries?

Dr. Sharma: The BOOT model offers several key advantages. Firstly, it reduces the financial burden on the government. Private entities like Amea Power shoulder the upfront capital costs for construction and operation, reducing the strain on national budgets. Secondly, it leverages private sector expertise in project management and technological innovation. Private companies often bring advanced technical capabilities and efficient operational practices leading to a more streamlined and cost-effective process. It also fosters technology and knowledge transfer, building local capacity for future renewable energy initiatives. A well-structured BOOT contract mitigates risks for both public and private sectors, fostering a mutually beneficial long-term partnership. This is crucial for ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of similar projects across the african continent and beyond.

Interviewer: The project is financed by the FMO (Netherlands) and DEG (Germany).what does this international collaboration signify for Côte d’Ivoire’s energy future and the broader African context?

Dr. Sharma: This international collaboration underscores the global confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s energy strategy and the growing recognition of Africa’s enormous renewable energy potential. It signals a willingness from developed countries to partner with and invest substantially in renewable energy in developing nations which, in turn, is further encouragement for attracting additional private investment. This kind of international backing helps de-risk projects; attracting private investors is considerably easier when there’s clear support and backing from international development finance institutions. Moreover, it signifies a shift towards a more collaborative and sustainable global energy landscape. By facilitating such projects, they are not only supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth but also contributing to broader climate change mitigation efforts worldwide.

Interviewer: The project aims to supply electricity to an estimated 350,000 people. Beyond the immediate impact, what are the broader societal and economic benefits of this initiative?

Dr. Sharma: Increased access to electricity is a game-changer. This translates to improved healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for thousands of people. Improved health comes from better access to medical facilities and refrigeration for vaccines. Improved education comes from the ability to study at night and through better access to technology.Economic growth follows from the increased capacity for small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive and new jobs being created during construction and operation of the plant. Beyond the immediate beneficiaries, the project will contribute to broader economic development by reducing reliance on fossil fuels; minimizing import costs and boosting the country’s energy security.The project showcases a model for sustainable growth, combining economic progress with environmental responsibility. This approach allows Côte d’Ivoire and other nations across Africa to advance economic development without compromising their environmental objectives.

Interviewer: What are the key takeaways from Côte d’Ivoire’s experience that other developing nations can learn from regarding renewable energy adoption?

Dr. Sharma: Here are three key takeaways:

• Strategic partnerships: Prioritizing public-private partnerships and securing international financial backing is crucial.
• Appropriate project models: Utilizing flexible and efficient models like BOOT can significantly reduce risks and costs.
• Long-term vision: Developing a complete national energy strategy with ambitious but attainable goals is essential for sustainable development.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for shedding light on this crucial development. your insights are invaluable.

Dr. Sharma: My pleasure. I believe Côte d’Ivoire’s Bondoukou Solar project serves as a powerful example for other nations in Africa and beyond striving to achieve sustainable growth.

Final thought: Côte d’Ivoire’s dedication to renewable energy signifies a proactive approach to sustainable development and shows the important role of international collaborations.Let’s begin a discussion in the comment section below on how other African nations can replicate this success. Share your thoughts and analysis on this groundbreaking project!