(Ecofin Agency) - Mali has launched a rural electrification project worth CFA10 billion (over $18.9 million) for Macina Cercle residents.

The project, launched by Malick Alhousseini (photo), the water and energy minister, will connect a total of 24 villages in the area. It has two main objectives: build two solar power plants in Sarro and Saye and strengthen the capacities of Malian agency for the development of domestic energy and electrification. It should be noted that AMADER will be in charge of the project.

The construction which should last 3 years will be financed by the Islamic Development Bank, Morocco, and Mali.

“This is the first time that villages are solely electrified with solar power plants and it is also the first time that electricity is provided to several villages by a  single power plant,” said the minister during the launching ceremony.

Currently, the country’s electrification rate is less than 30%. As for the rate in rural areas, it is around 10%.

Gwladys Johnson Akinocho