(Ecofin Agency) - World Bank’s board has granted Senegal $97 million to develop its power sector.

“Senegal has one of the best electrification rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet electricity is more expensive than average in the region, and access to electricity in rural areas is still low,” said Louise Cord, head of the World Bank operations in Senegal.

The newly awarded facility will be injected in the power transmission system extension project. The project aims to boost production of hydropower and its transmission in Senegal, but also in Mali and Mauritania, so as to lower its associated cost.

The project will be developed in the framework of a programme for the valorisation of the Senegal River. It will include, among others, the construction of a new power transmission line and sub-stations to reinforce the OMVS network.

Gwladys Johnson