In a bold step toward regional energy integration, the Ivorian government has approved a loan agreement of 68 billion CFA francs to kickstart the first phase of a strategic electricity interconnection project with Ghana. The decision, made during the Council of Ministers meeting on June 4, positions Côte d’Ivoire as a key driver in the West Africa Power Market (WAP) initiative.

The project is designed to enhance cross-border electricity trade, bolster grid reliability, and support the growth of a unified electricity market in the sub-region. According to government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly, the initiative reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to strengthening energy cooperation and ensuring sustainable power for economic growth across West Africa.

At the heart of the plan is the construction of a high-voltage transmission line connecting the Dunkwa II substation in central Ghana with the Bingerville substation in Abidjan. The infrastructure will be outfitted with remote control systems and fiber optic technology, ensuring high efficiency and resilience against climate change.

This move is part of a broader vision led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to create a sustainable, secure, and integrated regional energy grid that reduces dependency on single sources and enhances energy access for millions.

As demand for reliable electricity surges across the region, this interconnection is expected to serve as a model for future cross-border energy collaborations in West Africa.