• Côte d’Ivoire prioritizes domestic natural gas for electricity generation over exports.

• Power demand grows 10%–15% annually, driven by domestic consumption and regional exports.

• Government targets 45% renewable energy share and full electricity access by 2030.

The government of the Côte d’Ivoire has reaffirmed its strategy to rely on domestically produced natural gas as a core pillar of its electricity system. Authorities aim to strengthen energy security while supporting industrial development.

During the spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly said the country prioritized domestic gas use to meet rising electricity demand.

Domestic demand takes precedence over exports

The government designed its strategy to prioritize national electricity needs over gas exports aimed at foreign currency generation. The minister said Côte d’Ivoire already uses all discovered gas reserves for power generation.

“Côte d’Ivoire must first satisfy domestic demand before liquefying surplus gas for export. This choice reflects a political will to turn energy into a lever for internal economic transformation rather than a simple source of foreign exchange. In other words, gas is no longer just an export resource, but a tool for industrialization,” the minister said in a government statement.

In parallel, authorities increased investment in renewable energy sources, including hydropower and solar projects currently under development. The government set a target to raise the share of renewables to 45% of the energy mix by 2030.

This strategy responds to a rapidly growing electricity demand estimated at 10% to 15% annually. Demand growth stems from rising domestic consumption and electricity exports to neighboring interconnected countries. The government also targets universal electricity access by 2030, up from 64% in 2023. Under the “National Energy Pact for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire,” Abidjan plans to increase installed generation capacity by 1.7 times from 2,907 MW in 2023, with thermal power accounting for 69% of the mix.

Regional trend toward gas-backed power systems

The combination of gas-fired generation and renewable energy expansion reflects a broader continental trend. Several African countries already pursue similar strategies, with varying levels of maturity.

In Egypt and Algeria, gas accounts for 80% and 99% of electricity generation respectively, supporting near-universal electricity access. Both countries continue to expand renewable energy projects while maintaining gas dominance in their power systems.

Other countries, including Senegal and Mauritania, also increase reliance on domestic gas production to strengthen electricity supply while investing in solar, wind, and hydropower capacity.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum