Côte d’Ivoire is taking a major step toward energy autonomy and its green transition.

Nine million people will soon benefit from more reliable and sustainable access to electricity through the WASUNA (Water & Sun Alliance) programme.

The first financing agreements for the programme, part of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, were signed on April 2 by the Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Mr. Adama Coulibaly, the EU Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Irchad Ramiandrasoa Razaaly, the French Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Jean-Christophe Belliard, and the Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD), Mr. Rémy Rioux.

WASUNA includes the rehabilitation of six hydroelectric dams, extending their lifespan by 30 years, as well as the installation of two solar power plants combined with battery storage systems to ensure a more stable electricity grid.

The programme also aims to achieve 45% renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement targets.

It is being implemented under a Team Europe approach, bringing together the European Union, AFD, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Germany through KfW, for a total funding package of €410 million, including €50 million provided by the European Union.