The steering committee of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Energy Pact convened its inaugural meeting on August 4, 2026, at the SCIAM building in Abidjan. The session, led by Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Minister of Planning and Development, brought together key officials including Mamadou SANGAFOWA-COULIBALY, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, alongside deputy cabinet directors from the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Budget, and the Prime Minister’s office. Technical advisers from the President’s cabinet were also in attendance. The primary focus was to reinforce the committee’s operational framework and align commitments with national energy objectives.
Consolidating progress and mobilizing resources
The committee reviewed the current status of energy projects and endorsed plans for a high-level roundtable to secure funding for priority initiatives. These efforts support Côte d’Ivoire’s participation in Mission 300, a joint initiative by the World Bank and African Development Bank aiming to connect 300 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030. Côte d’Ivoire’s National Energy Pact, launched in January 2025 and presented by Prime Minister Robert Beugré MAMBÉ at the Dar es Salaam energy summit, positions the country as a model partner. With 29 African nations now adopting similar pacts, Côte d’Ivoire’s implementation plan is valued at $6.56 billion (3,980 billion CFA francs) for 2025-2030, with $1.177 billion expected from private investors.
Governance structure and strategic targets
The pact’s governance includes a steering committee, a technical committee, and a coordination unit. Dr. DIARRASSOUBA outlined four core objectives: universal electricity access, clean cooking solutions for households, a 45% renewable energy share in the energy mix, and financial sustainability for the sector. He emphasized alignment with the National Development Plan and the UN’s seventh Sustainable Development Goal, underscoring energy’s critical role in the nation’s socioeconomic progress.
Milestones achieved and ongoing reforms
Progress reports indicate strong momentum toward 2030 targets. In 2025 alone, Côte d’Ivoire connected 684,735 households—nearly 3.6 million people—exceeding its annual goal by 105.3%. Since 2024, 7.7 million citizens have gained electricity access, with a national coverage rate now at 81.1%. The 2026-2030 investment portfolio, valued at 2,840 billion CFA francs, prioritizes projects under the pact and seeks financing avenues.
Regional integration at the core
Côte d’Ivoire’s electricity system is among West Africa’s largest, and the country has long facilitated cross-border energy exchanges. The pact’s projects aim to deepen this regional integration, reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in building a unified West African electricity market.
