Electricity: decline in Ivorian power exports in 2024, Liberia becomes the main client

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire remains one of the main electricity suppliers in West Africa, despite a significant drop in its exports to neighboring countries.

According to data reported by Sika Finance, Ivorian electricity exports reached about 730.42 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2024, representing a decrease of 30.57 percent compared to the previous year. This decline is mainly explained by prolonged unavailability of some power plants, delays in the commissioning of new generation capacities, and insufficient supply of natural gas, which is essential for the country’s thermal power plants.

In this context, the ranking of Côte d’Ivoire’s main electricity clients has changed. Liberia has become the leading importer of Ivorian electricity, with about 206 GWh imported, marking an increase of 21 percent. It now surpasses Burkina Faso and Mali, which were previously among the country’s main energy partners.

At the regional level, electricity demand in West Africa is estimated at around 2,352 GWh. However, less than one third of this demand is currently covered by available exports, highlighting ongoing challenges related to energy production and infrastructure in the region.

Despite this temporary decline, Côte d’Ivoire maintains a strategic position in the West African energy system thanks to its production infrastructure and power interconnections with several neighboring countries.