Sahel Nations and Neighbors Unite for Energy Autonomy Through Solar Power Initiative
NIAMEY – Ministers of Energy from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Togo convened in Niamey on Saturday, reaching a consensus on advancing their collaborative efforts towards achieving greater energy autonomy for their countries through the Desert to Power initiative.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Niambeye N. Alire, the meeting, which included energy ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States alongside representatives from Chad and Togo, aimed to solidify the foundation of existing energy cooperation and to expedite progress on key projects, notably the Desert to Power initiative. This ambitious program, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), seeks to establish solar power installations capable of producing 10 gigawatts, aimed at electrifying the Sahel region and benefiting around 250 million people.
Minister Niambeye Alire elaborated on the objectives of the gathering following discussions with Niger’s President, General Abdourahamane Tiani. The focus was on reviewing and optimizing the Desert to Power project to hasten its deployment, ultimately fostering the development and welfare of the populations in the participating countries.
The meeting, hosted at the Radison Blu in Niamey, was also attended by Nigerien Prime Minister Lamine Zeine, who highlighted the unique nature of this assembly. He emphasized its significance in the broader context of regional integration, marking a pivotal step towards addressing one of the major challenges faced by African states: energy self-sufficiency as a cornerstone for economic development and the betterment of their citizens.
This collaboration represents a concrete move towards consolidating economic cooperation in the hydrocarbon and energy sector among these nations, as pointed out by Chad’s representative. The collective effort underlines the shared commitment to overcoming energy challenges and propelling the region towards a sustainable and autonomous energy future.