Partnership between the European Union, AFD and Senegal: Team Europe supports Senegal in its efforts to achieve universal access to electricity in 2025

The signing of the financing agreement between AFD and the State of Senegal took place at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Cooperation in the presence of the Minister, Mrs Oulimata Sarr, Mr Jean-Marc Pisani, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Senegal, Mr. Philippe LALLIOT, Ambassador of France to Senegal, Mr. Rémy Rioux, Managing Director of AFD, Mr. Mihoub Mezouaghi, Director of AFD in Dakar and Mr. Papa Mademba Biteye, Director General of SENELEC. In addition, the program will make it possible, through a specific sub-component, to promote gender equality, promote women's entrepreneurship with the recruitment of women to technical positions within the ministry in charge of energy and of Senelec. With a total estimated amount of 80 million euros (52 billion CFA francs), co-financing will be provided by the EU in the form of donations for an amount of 20 million euros (13 billion CFA francs) and the European Investment Bank plans to contribute to it. It will also benefit from the operational support of the German International Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ).

Access to electricity for as many people as possible This program will focus on the rural electrification concessions of Senelec in Matam and Ziguinchor, where electrical infrastructure remains underdeveloped. It will consist of three components aimed at:

1. the extension of existing distribution networks and the connection of households (€73 million),
2. the development of off-grid electrification solutions (€3 million)
3. the technical assistance needed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and SENELEC for the implementation of the PAU (€4 million).

AFD financing will focus on component 1, for which it will be responsible alongside SENELEC, the project's delegated contracting authority. It will allow the extension of existing networks, up to low voltage, to ensure the connection of localities identified as priorities. Moreover, it will go as far as the internal connection of all households, businesses and community infrastructures in the targeted localities, thus allowing an immediate impact for the populations. With this funding, Team Europe reaffirms its commitment to the Universal Access Program (PAU) of the Government of Senegal, intended to provide all citizens with access to reliable electricity, in quantity, quality and at an affordable price by 2025.

"I am delighted, on behalf of the entire Team Europe, with this example of fruitful cooperation between the Senegalese authorities, AFD and SENELEC. Europe is indeed giving itself the means to be a privileged partner to pave the way ecological transition and a model of sustainable and inclusive development (...) With the Global Gateway launched at the Summit between the European Union and the African Union, and which will mobilize 150 billion Euros for the Sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2027, Team Europe is more than ever at your side for this alliance and this win-win partnership, with a focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, connectivity, youth and development. employment, the Global Gateway represents an opportunity to address this shift and these transitions towards more sustainability and inclusiveness. Today's ceremony therefore constitutes a new milestone in the cooperation between the European Union and the State of Senegal, and We are therefore honored to be by your side, together with Team Europe, to promote a greener economy and a more sustainable and resilient development model while waiting for other steps to be taken together, in the realization of the Emerging Senegal Plan for the populations Senegalese." H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Pisani, Ambassador of the European Union to Senegal.