The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a financing package of €26.5 million (appox. US$29mn) to support the construction of a 62 MW peak greenfield solar photovoltaic power plant in Sokodé, Togo.
This funding comprises a loan of up to €18.5 million (approx. US$20.3mn) from the African Development Bank and a concessional loan of up to €8 million (approximately US$8.8 million) from the Bank-managed Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). Additionally, PROPACO, the French development finance agency dedicated to fostering private sector growth in emerging markets, will provide co-financing, making the €61 million (approx. US$67mn) project a prime example of effective public-private partnership.
The project is vital to Togo’s ambition of installing 200 MWp of renewable energy capacity by 2030. It will accelerate the nation’s transition away from expensive and polluting thermal power generation, strengthening energy security and reliability, and speeding progress toward universal electricity access by 2030.
“Light Up and Power Africa”
Kevin Kariuki, vice-president for power, energy, climate, and green growth at the African Development Bank, said, “The Sokodé solar project is a landmark achievement that highlights Togo’s strong commitment to the transition to renewable energy in line with the Togo M300 energy compact under preparation, and the Bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting clean energy projects across the continent.” He emphasized that the project will not only advance Togo’s renewable energy goals but also stimulate local economic growth and improve the country’s energy security and reliability.
The project, developed by Meridiam and the French multinational utility Électricité de France, includes the design, construction, and operation of the greenfield solar plant along with an 11 km transmission line in Sokodé. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate 87 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, providing clean, reliable, and affordable power to local communities while addressing energy shortages. It will also reduce annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 13,600 tons, supporting Togo’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
SEFA’s involvement in the Sokodé Solar PV Project underscores the economic viability of renewable energy and is expected to encourage further investments in clean energy across the region.
This initiative also aligns with Togo’s M300 energy compact by promoting least-cost power generation through competitive bidding and increasing private sector participation. It supports the African Development Bank Group’s “Light Up and Power Africa” agenda to deliver sustainable and inclusive energy solutions continent-wide.
