(AXIAN ENERGY) - Côte d'Ivoire is taking another step towards energy independence with the construction of the Kong Solaire photovoltaic project. Located in the Tchologo region, this large-scale project confirms the country's commitment to diversifying its energy mix and improving access to clean, reliable and affordable electricity for its population.

Led by the consortium Amos Holding, AXIAN Energy, and InfraCo — the development arm of PIDG — Kong Solaire represents a strategic €50 million investment, financed with the support of the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO).

Built on an 80-hectare site, the facility has an installed capacity of 50 MW and an estimated annual output of 98 GWh. The plant will meet the electricity needs of more than 240,000 people while contributing to the reduction of the country’s carbon footprint. A 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed with CI-Energie, ensuring the long-term sustainability and stability of the project’s operations.

Beyond its energy performance, Kong Solaire carries strategic significance for the sector. The project is one of Côte d’Ivoire’s first independent solar power plants (IPPs) and illustrates the shared commitment of public and private stakeholders to work together toward a sustainable future. It will help demonstrate the viability of solar energy in the country while creating a replicable contractual and financial framework designed to attract new investors and accelerate the energy transition.

For Benjamin Memmi, CEO of AXIAN Energy, Kong Solaire embodies a clear vision: that of an Africa sovereign in its energy transition: “We are proud to bring this landmark project to life for Côte d’Ivoire’s energy landscape, alongside our partners PIDG and Africa Via. Kong Solaire is a pioneering initiative that contributes to a sovereign and resilient African energy transition. We see this project as the first in a series of high-impact initiatives and remain fully committed to continuing our investments in renewable energy to support Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition for a balanced and sustainable energy mix.”

A symbol of pan-African cooperation focused on sustainable impact, Minkaïla Salami, CEO of Africa Via, stated: “We are delighted to co-develop this project with PIDG and AXIAN Energy, with whom we share the same ambition of implementing initiatives that drive the sustainable development of pan-African economies and directly benefit the most vulnerable populations.”

According to Omar Jabri, Head of Business Development at PIDG, the project is fully aligned with the country’s ambitions: “Together with our partners AXIAN Energy and Africa Via, PIDG is committed to promoting the development of resilient infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire and contributing to the achievement of the country’s sustainable development goals — including reaching 45% renewable energy by 2030.”

By 2030, Côte d’Ivoire aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix to 45%. Aligned with this national ambition, Kong Solaire embodies an innovative project that combines inclusion and resilience in support of a sovereign and sustainable energy model.