(Ecofin Agency) - The World Bank has allocated a total of $200 million to support the government of Benin in its effort to improve access to electricity in the country. The money will be disbursed via the International Development Association IDA.

The project will consist of the construction of 2,000 km of medium voltage lines and 4,000 km of low voltage lines. At least 20,000 streetlights will be installed in target areas, 80,000 kVa transformers will also be deployed at 1,100 sites.

Overall, the project is expected to benefit more than 150,000 households, about 1,000 small and medium enterprises, and 500 basic utilities. "This operation will bring social benefits to households and business opportunities to micro, small and medium enterprises that need available and affordable energy to grow," said Atou Seck (pictured), World Bank Country Director for Benin.

According to World Bank data, in 2019, Benin's electricity access rate was 40.3%. Results from the Geospatial Indicative Electrification Planning Study completed in November 2020, indicate that by 2025, about 91% of Benin's population would live within 7 kilometers of the electricity grid.

Gwladys Johnson Akinocho