Burkina Faso expands electricity access and production capacity

Burkina Faso is implementing a major strategic initiative to achieve energy sovereignty and expand electricity access across the country. Through the Electrification and Connection Development Project (PEDECEL), the government has introduced a new financial model to lower the barrier to entry for households. Instead of the previous connection cost of approximately 140,000 FCFA, citizens can now access electricity with an initial payment of 3,000 FCFA, with the remaining balance payable in installments over up to three years.

The PEDECEL project, estimated at 76.526 billion FCFA, covers 65 communes across ten administrative regions and is supported by the state, the African Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank. Recent infrastructure milestones include the deployment of 70 kilometers of low-voltage networks and increased distribution capacity in Réo.

In tandem with improved distribution, the nation is significantly boosting its production capacity to reduce reliance on neighboring countries. Recent developments include the inauguration of a 50 MW thermal plant in Pabré and the Bobo II plant in Bobo-Dioulasso, which adds 26.4 MW to reach a total of 86.4 MW. Additional plants in Koudougou, Kaya, and a projected 120 MW facility in Ouaga Sud-Est are part of a broader plan to add nearly 220 MW of installed capacity to support national industrialization and economic stability.