Promoting Access to Modern Energy Services through Mini-Grid Projects in Africa

Benin, Cabo Verde, Senegal, Sierra Leone

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) is a specialized agency of ECOWAS based in Praia, Cape Verde, and operates through a network of National Focal Institutions among all ECOWAS countries. ECREEE conducted an analysis of the current situation of the energy sector in the ECOWAS region that highlighted that access rate in rural areas is still generally low across the region, and most communities will remain unserved for the foreseeable future. Successful mini-grid experiences in Senegal, Mali and Cape Verde revealed a potential for this technology solution to meet the demand of rural and peri-urban communities. This process led ECREEE to start, in March 2014, a call for proposals focused on mini-grids. OFID will co-financing 4 of the 20 selected projects in Benin, Cape Verde, Senegal and Sierra Leone. In the four countries, more than 4,250 people (850 households) will directly benefit from the project. This is in addition to 123 commercial clients and small enterprises, and 57 public buildings and services.