Electricity network in the Ivory Coast needs $560 million

7 December 2009

To explain the reasons for this situation to the citizens of the Ivory Coast, the Ivory Coast Electricity Company organized a press conference last week in Abidjan.

The power cuts which occur are linked to the delay in investments due to the economic crisis, according to General Secretary Mathias Kouassi.

At present, the power available is equivalent to 859 MW as opposed to a national demand of 876 MW. It is this differential which is causing the cuts.

Mr. Kouassi estimates that to make up the demand the Ivory Coast needs 250 billion FCFA of additional investments in order to upgrade and extend the capacity of the electricity network.

China in particular looks set to invest in the country’s own energy resources, according to statements by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

Last month he announced the establishment of a Sino-African partnership in the fight against climate change, which will favour the exploitation of new sources of energy.<br/>