Energy updates: Power outages in Benin and rural electrification in Senegal

The Société béninoise d’énergie électrique (SBEE) has announced scheduled power outages across several regions in Benin on September 1 and 3, 2026. The interruptions, which are expected to last between 9:00 and 17:00 depending on the area, are necessary for planned maintenance to ensure network reliability.

Affected locations include various sectors in Bohicon, Parakou, Dassa, Kandi, Natitingou, Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Lokossa, and Djougou. On September 3, additional areas such as Savalou are also expected to experience service interruptions.

In Senegal, the Agence sénégalaise d’électrification rurale (Aser) has successfully connected 15 villages in the Kolda and Sédhiou regions to the electricity grid. This initiative is part of a national program aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2029.

The project is funded by a 10 billion FCFA investment from the West African Development Bank (BOAD), which intends to electrify 63 villages using solar photovoltaic mini-power plants. One notable connection includes the village of Dialadiang, which now utilizes a 185 kWp solar plant to support its local school, college, and health center.