MAURITANIA – The government of Mauritania has entered into financing agreements with the African Development Bank (AfDB) totaling US$289.5 million for two projects within the energy sector.
This accord was formalized between Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Abdessalam Mohamed Saleh, and the African Development Bank’s Deputy Managing Director for North Africa, Malinne Blomberg.
The outlined projects encompass solar power generation, transnational electricity interconnection, and rural electrification.
The financial package encompasses both loans and grants, intending to facilitate the execution of the 225 kV Mauritania-Mali electricity interconnection and the development of the solar power plant (PIEMM), alongside the initiative to enhance productive and energy investments for rural area sustainability (RIMDIR).
The PIEMM, an integral component of the Desert to Power Initiative, involves establishing a 225 kV electricity link connecting Mauritania and Mali.
This initiative aims to construct solar power plants and deploy a 1,373-kilometer high-voltage transmission line with a substantial capacity of 600 MW.
The overarching goal is to amplify solar energy output and ensure universal access to electricity in both nations.
Mauritania secures funding through a US$272 million loan from the Africa Development Fund, complemented by a US$1.5 million grant from the Green Climate Fund.
This financial infusion stands as the most substantial ever provided by the African Development Bank to Mauritania.
Concurrently, the RIMDIR initiative, fortified by a US$16 million grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), centers on rural electrification in 40 localities in southeastern Mauritania.
This endeavor encompasses the installation of hybrid mini photovoltaic power plants, establishing connections to villages through connecting lines facilitated by a public-private partnership (PPP).
Furthermore, the project aims to elevate value-added activities, particularly within the food cold chain (meat, milk, and vegetables) and the agri-food processing sectors.
“There can be no sustainable, diversified economic growth without high-quality, reliable electricity that is accessible to all,” emphasizes Mr. Abdelssalam Mohamed Saleh.
He further notes, “Within this framework, the government has devised ambitious programs to ensure access to electricity for all citizens by 2030, and this financing from the African Development Bank will significantly contribute to the optimal exploitation of the available energy sources in the country.”
The African Development Bank has been actively engaged in Mauritania for over fifty years, contributing to various strategic development sectors including agriculture, governance, water and sanitation, energy, mining, private sector, transport, and social initiatives.
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
