The African Development Bank and the Gambia River Basin Development Organization (OMVG) are joining forces to accelerate energy integration in West Africa. This is particularly true through a major regional project that marks a key milestone in energy cooperation in the subregion.
Main elements of the OMVG project
Amount and partners: The OMVG regional energy project represents an investment of EUR 880 million, co-financed by the AfDB, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, BOAD, as well as bilateral agencies such as AFD, KfW, and the Kuwait Fund.
Countries involved: Four member countries are directly involved: Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal.
Infrastructure: The project has enabled the construction of a 1,677-kilometer 225 kV transmission line with a transfer capacity of 800 MW, interconnecting the four member countries. It also includes 15 transformer stations and two dispatching centers (Linsan in Guinea, Tambacounda in Senegal).
Regional connection: Since the end of November 2023, the 14 continental West African countries have been interconnected within a single electricity grid. This facilitates the exchange of clean, affordable, and renewable electricity on a regional scale.
Renewable Generation: The Sambangalou hydroelectric dam (Senegal), with a planned capacity of 128 MW and an annual production of 402 GWh, is a strategic component of the project, with phased commissioning expected by 2028.
Objectives and Impacts
Energy Security and Integration: The project aims to strengthen energy security, improve cost-efficiency, promote the use of renewable energy, and increase access to electricity, particularly in rural areas.
Regional Development: The integration of national grids into a unified system supports the creation of a regional electricity market, fosters economic cooperation, and expands access to sustainable energy for millions of people.
Socioeconomic Impacts: Increased access to reliable energy promotes employment, investment, and trade, and improves essential services such as education and health.
Perspectives and Next Steps
OMVG and the AfDB emphasize the need to mobilize more resources to continue and expand regional projects. A forum on the theme “Unlocking Regional Potential through Sustainable Investments” is planned for June 16-17, 2025, in Dakar, to attract new partners and investors. Discussions will also cover other strategic sectors: agriculture, water and sanitation, transport, environment, and knowledge management.
