In Burkina Faso, 41 rural communities will be powered via solar energy by 30 months. Communities involved are spread across six of the country’s region, namely, Boucle du Mouhon, Sahel, South West, Centre North, East and Centre East. The operation is part of the Decentralized Rural Electrification via Photovoltaic Solar Systems project (PERD/SPV) which was announced by Minister of Power, Mining and Quarrying.

In all, 3,400 homes, thus more than 27,000 people, 130 schools, 50 health centres and 90 community centres will benefit from the project. It will be implemented by the Electrification Development Fund. It costs FCFA6.7 billion ($11.53 million) of which 90% will be provide by Islamic Development Bank while Burkina’s Government will provide the remaining 10%.

PERD/PSD aims at reducing poverty especially in rural areas by reducing energy deficit.

Only 20% of Burkina is electrified.

Gwladys Johnson