Mauritania–Mali Power Interconnection Project Boosts Renewable Energy And Grid Access

Mauritania and Mali have taken a major step toward strengthening their energy sectors by advancing a large cross-border power interconnection project that will link the two countries through a high-voltage transmission line. The project is being supported mainly by the African Development Bank and several international partners and is aimed at improving electricity access, supply reliability, and the use of clean energy across the Sahel region.

At the center of the initiative is the construction of a 1,373-kilometer transmission line with a power transfer capacity of 600 megawatts. The line will connect power systems in Mauritania and Mali, allowing electricity to flow more efficiently between the two countries. This interconnection is expected to reduce power shortages, stabilize supply, and lower dependence on costly fuel-based electricity generation.

The project also places a strong focus on renewable energy. Two solar power plants, each with a capacity of 50 megawatts, will be developed in the Mauritanian towns of Kiffa and Néma. Electricity generated from these plants will be fed directly into the new transmission line, supporting both countries in shifting toward cleaner and more affordable energy sources. This approach aligns with regional efforts to reduce emissions and make better use of the Sahel’s high solar potential.

The total cost of the project is estimated at nearly $888 million. A key recent funding milestone includes more than $302 million approved by the African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank. In addition, the Saudi Fund for Development has committed $60 million for the Mauritanian section of the transmission line. These investments form part of the wider “Desert to Power” program, which aims to turn the Sahel into a major solar energy zone.

The project is expected to deliver strong social and economic benefits. Around 100,000 households will gain access to electricity for the first time, including about 80,000 in Mauritania and 20,000 in Mali. Power supply will also reach nearly 150 rural and agro-pastoral communities, supporting schools, health centers, and small businesses. By improving energy access and reducing costs, the project is likely to support local development, create jobs, and encourage regional cooperation for a more sustainable energy future.