Senegal: the Malicounda power plant helps to improve access to electricity

The municipality of Malicounda, in the Thiès region, has taken a new step forward in its economic development with the commissioning of a modernised electricity substation, announced on Sunday 16 March 2025. Inaugurated at an official ceremony the day before, this structure, financed by the KfW Development Bank, increases the capacity of the Pointe Sarène network from 50 to 400 kilovoltamperes, multiplying the power available by eight. Following the opening of a 120 MW combined-cycle power plant in 2023, this step forward consolidates the locality's energy ambitions.

This reinforcement of the electricity network is in response to a sharp rise in energy demand, driven by the dynamism of the tourism and industrial sectors. Pointe Sarène, in particular, is emerging as an attractive hub for the hotel industry and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which require a stable, reliable power supply. "Better quality electricity, with fewer power cuts, is an essential lever for our competitiveness," said a local representative at the inauguration.

The modernisation of the substation provides an infrastructure capable of supporting this growth. By eliminating bottlenecks in the network, it will ensure smoother distribution and reduce disruption, all of which will help to attract investors to this fast-growing region.

This project is part of Senegal's national strategy to achieve universal access to electricity. According to the World Bank, the country's electrification rate is now 84%, but more than 30% of rural communities remain off the grid. Improving infrastructure in Malicounda illustrates the government's efforts to bridge this gap, by prioritising areas with high economic potential while paving the way for wider electrification.

The commissioning of this substation follows the inauguration in 2023 of the 120 MW combined-cycle power plant in the same commune. Taken together, these achievements reflect a commitment to modernising Senegal's energy system to meet the challenges of a growing population and economy. The financing from KfW Development Bank, a key partner in sustainable development in Africa, also underlines the international appeal of these initiatives.

By strengthening its network, Malicounda is not only improving its technical capabilities, it is also laying the foundations for inclusive growth, where energy becomes a driver of local and regional prosperity.