The African Development Bank (AfDB) has sanctioned a financing package of USD302.9 million to support the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali electricity connection and solar power project, a crucial segment of the Desert-to-Power Initiative.
This fund allocation comprises USD269.6 million designated for Mauritania and USD33.3 million earmarked for Mali and are provided through the African Development Fund, the concessional window of AfDB. The total cost of the project is estimated at USD888 million. The project involves the establishment of a 1,373-km high voltage electricity link boasting a 600 MW transfer capacity connecting both nations. Additionally, it entails the construction of a 50 MW solar power facility in Kiffa, Mauritania, tied to this interconnection. Around 100,000 new households will connect to the power grid through this project – 80,000 in Mauritania and 20,000 in Mali.