African Development Bank Approves $68 Million to Secure and Modernize Bamako’s Electricity Supply

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved financing exceeding $68 million for a major project aimed at strengthening and securing electricity supply in Bamako, Mali’s capital, while significantly reducing chronic power outages.

The initiative will reinforce the transmission and distribution network, expand productive uses of electricity, deploy 2,000 smart meters for high-voltage customers, and boost transmission capacity to 600 MW.

Key socioeconomic benefits include the creation of approximately 320 temporary jobs (with at least 20% reserved for women) and 60 permanent positions, as well as professional internships for 60 young graduates, half of whom will be female.

The project incorporates robust environmental and social safeguards, including public consultations, municipal support for land management, and stakeholder training. It is expected to cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1.12 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent — more than 50% below the level that would occur under the existing energy system.

Scheduled for implementation from January 2026 to December 2030, the five-year program will directly benefit the entire population of Bamako by delivering a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable power supply.