The World Bank Group approved this Monday, June 14, 2021 a financing of 200 million dollars from the International Development Association (IDA) to help Benin improve access to electricity services. Thus, 150,000 households, 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 500 basic public services will be connected.

The new World Bank-funded project will support the implementation of key reforms in Benin's electrification strategy, complementing the ongoing $60 million Energy Services Improvement Project. According to a press release published by the financial institution, the project to scale up access to electricity in Benin will make it possible to carry out densification and extension works to strengthen access to electricity services in the country. network to households, small and medium enterprises as well as certain basic public services.

“About 2,000 km of medium voltage lines and 4,000 km of low voltage lines will be built or rehabilitated in 1,100 localities and 80,000 kVa of transformers installed. More than 20,000 public lights will also be installed in the targeted areas. The project will impact more than 150,000 households (25% of which are headed by women), 1,000 small and medium enterprises (20% of which are headed by women) and 500 basic public services will be connected to the network.

The World Bank's Country Manager for Benin, Atou Seck believes that economic gains increase when electricity availability increases. Thus, according to him, "this operation will provide social benefits to households and business opportunities to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that need available energy at a lower cost to develop". The project will also finance technical assistance and capacity building activities in the electric power sector.