Kong Solaire to Power Côte d’Ivoire’s Path to Energy Independence
Côte d’Ivoire has taken a bold leap toward energy sovereignty with the launch of the Kong Solaire Photovoltaic Project, a large-scale solar power plant in the Tchologo region.
This milestone project underscores the nation’s determination to diversify its energy mix and provide reliable, clean, and affordable electricity to its people. In a region where energy access still poses challenges, Kong Solaire stands as a beacon of innovation, cooperation, and sustainable growth.
The Project and Its Vision
The Kong Solaire initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between Amos Holding, AXIAN Energy, and InfraCo Africa, the development arm of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). Backed by a significant €50 million investment, the project is financed with support from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). It represents one of Côte d’Ivoire’s first independent solar power plants (IPPs), designed not only to generate electricity but also to redefine the nation’s approach to renewable energy development.
Built on an 80-hectare site, the solar plant boasts an installed capacity of 50 MW and an estimated annual output of 98 GWh, enough to supply power to more than 240,000 people. A 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CI-Energie ensures long-term operational stability, reinforcing the project’s role as a cornerstone of national energy strategy.
Strengthening Energy Security and Sustainability
Côte d’Ivoire has set an ambitious goal: achieving 45% renewable energy in its national mix by 2030. The Kong Solaire project is a key pillar in realising that vision. By harnessing the abundant sunlight of northern Côte d’Ivoire, it will reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy access in rural and peri-urban areas.
According to Omar Jabri, Head of Business Development at PIDG: “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.”
This shared mission positions Kong Solaire not just as a power project but as an anchor for economic resilience. The installation will stimulate local employment, create new opportunities in the renewable energy value chain, and serve as a model for future solar ventures across West Africa.
Partnership for a Sustainable Africa
The success of Kong Solaire is rooted in collaboration. For Benjamin Memmi, CEO of AXIAN Energy, the project encapsulates a broader continental vision: “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.”
This pan-African cooperation bridges private and public sectors, aligning local ambitions with international expertise. Minkaïla Salami, CEO of Africa Via, emphasised this shared purpose: “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.”
Such partnerships are critical in ensuring that renewable energy projects deliver tangible community benefits. Beyond electricity, Kong Solaire is expected to improve livelihoods, foster education, and support small businesses that depend on stable power. The social dividends of clean energy are as vital as the environmental ones.
A Replicable Model for Future Development
Kong Solaire’s structure sets a precedent for independent power production in Côte d’Ivoire. Its innovative contractual and financial framework offers a blueprint for future investment in renewable energy across the continent. By demonstrating the commercial viability of solar power, the project lowers barriers for future developers and reassures financiers that renewable projects in West Africa can be both profitable and sustainable.
The partnership with CI-Energie under the 25-year PPA further enhances investor confidence, guaranteeing predictable returns and stable operation. For a region eager to attract foreign investment, this model sends a powerful signal: Côte d’Ivoire is open for sustainable business.
The Economic and Environmental Payoff
With an expected reduction of more than 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, Kong Solaire will play a vital role in supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The project also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
The positive ripple effects extend beyond the grid. During construction and operation, the project creates local employment opportunities, strengthens the regional supply chain, and introduces technical expertise that can be replicated in neighbouring countries. It also encourages local entrepreneurship, especially in areas like solar maintenance, logistics, and construction.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Renewable Energy Landscape
In recent years, Côte d’Ivoire has made remarkable progress in reforming its energy sector. The government has actively promoted renewable projects to diversify its portfolio, which has traditionally relied heavily on hydropower and thermal generation. Solar energy, in particular, is emerging as a cost-effective and reliable complement to the existing grid.
According to the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Côte d’Ivoire’s demand for electricity is growing by approximately 8% per year. To meet this demand sustainably, the country must scale up renewables while ensuring grid stability. Projects like Kong Solaire are thus essential to maintaining this delicate balance.
The government’s clear regulatory framework and openness to private investment have made the country one of the most attractive energy markets in West Africa. This proactive stance positions Côte d’Ivoire as a regional leader in sustainable energy transition.
A Bright Future for African Solar Energy
Kong Solaire is more than a national achievement; it’s a continental milestone. Africa is blessed with some of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world, yet much of this potential remains untapped. Projects like this are crucial to unlocking that resource, reducing reliance on imported fuels, and fostering homegrown energy solutions.
As AXIAN Energy continues to expand its renewable portfolio across the continent, and InfraCo Africa deepens its support for sustainable infrastructure, the model established in Kong could soon be replicated in other nations, from Burkina Faso to Tanzania and beyond. The lessons learned here will inform the next wave of solar innovation across Africa.
Lighting the Way Forward
Kong Solaire’s launch marks a new chapter in Côte d’Ivoire’s energy story, one that blends ambition, collaboration, and innovation. It demonstrates that with the right partnerships, financing structures, and political will, Africa can leapfrog into a sustainable energy future powered by the sun.
For the people of Tchologo and beyond, the project will bring not just light, but progress. It’s a living testament to what can be achieved when vision meets commitment.
