When Mali broke ground on the Sanankoroba Solar Power Station, a 200 MW facility near Bamako, it was more than a local energy project; it became a continental story. A story of how Africa’s clean energy transition can fuel the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and by extension, reshape the way Africans trade, move, and grow together.
A Landmark Solar Leap in Mali
- Scale: 200 MW solar plant on 314 hectares of land.
- Impact: Adds 10% to Mali’s total electricity generation capacity.
- Partners: Built in collaboration with NovaWind (Russia’s Rosatom), with ownership gradually shifting to Mali’s Ministry of Energy and Water.
- Timeline: Construction began in 2024, with operations set for 2025, and a 20-year life cycle.
This is the largest solar installation in West Africa, setting a precedent for the region.
Image by: ConstructAfrica
From Powering Cities to Powering Trade
The AfCFTA is Africa’s big plan to make it easier for countries to trade with each other. But here’s the thing: you can’t have trade without reliable and affordable energy. Mali’s solar plant is a step toward solving that.
Here’s how:
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Cheaper Energy for Business
Today, many businesses in Africa spend too much on fuel and generators. With more solar power, factories and shops can run at lower costs — which means goods can be sold cheaper across borders. -
Boosting Local Production
Instead of only exporting raw materials like cotton, Mali could now process and package goods locally, because factories will have stable power. These finished products can then be sold across Africa under AfCFTA. -
Clean and Modern Growth
AfCFTA isn’t only about moving goods — it’s also about building a modern African economy. Using solar energy means Mali is showing the way toward clean, green, and climate-friendly trade.
The Bigger Picture
Mali’s solar move is part of a larger story:
- Africa needs energy to trade, just like it needs good roads and railways.
- Other countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal are also investing in renewable energy. Together, these projects can create regional power networks that help AfCFTA work better.
- Every new solar farm means less reliance on expensive fuel and more money staying in African economies.
Simply put: AfCFTA cannot succeed without clean, reliable energy. And Mali is showing how solar power can light the way for Africa’s future.
