- Côte d’Ivoire has launch of the 50MWp Kong Solaire project, a major step forward in Côte d’Ivoire’s transition toward renewable energy.
The solar plant has been co-developed by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), through its project development arm InfraCo, and Ivorian developer Africa Via. Regional energy company Axian Energy joined the consortium earlier this year, strengthening the project’s technical and financial foundation.
The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the Directorate General of Energy, the Ministry of Finance and Budget, and Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-Energies), alongside project partners and local community members.
Abdelali Halhal, PIDG’s Regional Business Development Lead for West and Central Africa, praised the collaboration that made the project possible.
“It is an honour to celebrate the launch of Kong Solaire,” Halhal said. “I would like to thank the Ivorian Government and CI-Energies for their leadership and vision, which make possible the realisation of large-scale projects that support the country’s energy transition. This project illustrates what we can achieve together—delivering clean and competitive energy, strengthening energy security, and advancing the government’s goal of achieving 45% renewable energy by 2030.”
Africa Via CEO Minkaïla Salami highlighted the project’s regional development potential.
“We are delighted to co-develop this project with PIDG, with whom we share the ambition to implement initiatives that promote sustainable development and benefit vulnerable populations across Africa,” he said.
Axian Energy CEO Benjamin Memmi emphasised the project’s long-term impact.
“We are proud to bring this landmark project to life for Côte d’Ivoire’s energy landscape,” Memmi said. “Kong Solaire is a pioneering initiative that supports a sovereign and resilient energy transition in Africa. It is the first of many high-impact projects we plan to pursue to help build a balanced and sustainable energy mix for Côte d’Ivoire.”
Developed under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the Kong Solaire plant will supply clean electricity to approximately 240,000 people. As one of the country’s first solar Independent Power Producer projects, it is expected to establish replicable documentation and financial frameworks that can attract new investors and accelerate Côte d’Ivoire’s broader renewable energy transition.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
