Mauritania and Niger have secured substantial funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to accelerate energy access and renewable energy development, marking a pivotal step in West Africa’s transition toward sustainable power. The financing, approved under two distinct programs, is set to significantly enhance the energy infrastructure of both countries, which have long grappled with limited electricity access, especially in rural areas.
Mauritania has been awarded $300 million through the AfDB’s flagship Desert to Power initiative, a transformative program aimed at turning the Sahel region into a renewable energy powerhouse by harnessing its abundant solar and wind resources. The funding will support the development of a 60-megawatt solar-wind hybrid power project, a critical addition to Mauritania’s current generation capacity of approximately 450 megawatts. This project is expected to play a central role in helping the country achieve its ambitious target of sourcing 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Mauritania’s Minister of Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled, emphasized that the financing structure allows the country to expand its energy production without increasing public debt, a crucial consideration for long-term fiscal sustainability.
In parallel, Niger has secured a $144.7 million package to implement Phase 1 of its Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Program (PAGSEC). This initiative is designed to deploy 240 megawatts of solar capacity, improve energy access for underserved communities, and enhance the competitiveness of the private sector. The agreement was formalized in Abidjan, with AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine in attendance. In addition to infrastructure development, the funding will provide budgetary support and bolster economic resilience through the African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the AfDB.
These investments underscore the AfDB’s broader commitment to bridging Africa’s energy gap through clean, affordable, and reliable power solutions. Both Mauritania and Niger face significant challenges in electrification, with large portions of their populations lacking consistent access to electricity. The new projects are expected to not only improve living standards but also stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By leveraging renewable energy, the countries aim to build more resilient and inclusive energy systems that can support long-term development.
As implementation begins, the success of these initiatives will be closely watched by regional stakeholders and international partners. The projects represent a model for how targeted, sustainable investments can drive transformative change in Africa’s energy landscape. With the support of the AfDB, Mauritania and Niger are positioning themselves at the forefront of the continent’s green energy revolution, setting a precedent for other nations seeking to harness their natural resources for inclusive growth.