Why is Benin reliant on electricity imports?

Benin is reliant on electricity imports for a significant share of its energy supply. Reform programmes, including plans for electrification, have been put in place in the country, where only 30% of the population had access to electricity in 2017.

Where does Benin get its electricity from?

Benin imports some of its electricity from Nigeria through the CEB-NEPA Power Interconnection, commissioned in 2007. There is a disparity of access between urban and rural citizens. In 2010, around 34.2% of the population had access to electricity.

What is the energy mix in Benin?

Energy in Benin has a diverse energy mix and takes several forms including: solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, fossil resources, and mineral resources. Out of this energy mix, about 60% of energy comes from biomass. Benin is also dependent on energy imports from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

Does Benin have energy resources?

While Benin has many energy resources, it lacks the infrastructure both to convert these resources into electricity and to transport the electricity throughout the country. Energy resources in Benin and most Western African countries are not evenly distributed.

Will EIB support Engie to deploy off-grid solar power in Benin?

The new Benin cooperation follows EIB’s previous support for ENGIE to deploy off-grid solar power in Uganda. Benin is the sixth African country to benefit from the EIB’s streamlined support for African off-grid energy investment, following recent backing for projects in Mozambique, Uganda, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Comoros.

What can Engie do for Benin?

Following the new agreement between ENGIE and the European Investment Bank, households, entrepreneurs and smallholders across Benin will be able to access electricity for mobile phones, solar lighting, refrigeration, radio and television.