Côte d’Ivoire Advances Energy Transition with Ambitious Renewable Energy Reforms and 2035 Targets

Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy is holding a high-level institutional workshop from May 18 to 19 in Yamoussoukro to brief members of the Senate on the country’s regulatory framework and progress in energy efficiency and renewable energy development.

The session, which follows a similar workshop previously held for members of the National Assembly, aims to strengthen parliamentary understanding of national energy policies and enhance legislative support for ongoing reforms in the sector.

According to officials, the workshop has three main objectives: to provide senators with a comprehensive update on the current regulatory framework, present measurable results achieved so far along with remaining challenges, and gather parliamentary feedback and recommendations to support the government’s energy transition agenda.

Local authorities, including the regional prefect of Yamoussoukro, welcomed the initiative as an important step in improving awareness of government policy on sustainable energy development.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of Energy, a senior ministry representative highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition to balance economic growth, universal energy access, and environmental protection.

He noted that this vision has been implemented through the adoption of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Sector Policy in 2019, which sets ambitious targets for the country’s energy transition.

Under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), Côte d’Ivoire aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 46.3% of its electricity mix by 2035.

Officials also outlined several key reforms introduced over the past five years, including mandatory energy audits, the legal right to produce renewable electricity with the ability to sell surplus power, energy labeling for household appliances, tax and customs incentives for renewable energy equipment, new energy efficiency standards for buildings, and regulations supporting electric mobility and bioenergy.

Authorities say these measures reflect the country’s commitment to accelerating its transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system.