Energy Planning for West and Central Africa: Côte d'Ivoire Takes a Lead in Promoting a Common Vision for the Future

The Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy of Côte d'Ivoire has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting a shared vision for the energy future of West and Central Africa. This statement was made during a technical cooperation meeting organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held from December 3 to 5, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Abidjan.

This meeting is part of a broader continental effort following the adoption of the African Continental Energy Master Plan (CMP) at the African Union Summit in February 2024. Representing the Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Souleymane Soro, opened the meeting by stating, “Beyond its technical objectives, this meeting is an opportunity to strengthen the ties between our states and promote a common vision for the energy future of our regions.” He further emphasized that “Côte d'Ivoire has established a process for planning its electrical system, with the most recent Master Plan for Energy Production and Transport covering the period 2022-2040.”

Imen Bentouhami, Programme Management Officer at the IAEA, expressed her satisfaction with the event, highlighting the diversity of expertise and experience from various countries and agencies across the continent. “We are confident that the discussions will be fruitful, and we will be able to draw up conclusions and recommendations that will be beneficial for the countries of the region,” she added.

In his closing remarks, Ehouman Kalifa, Director General of Energy, highlighted the importance of IAEA cooperation, stating that the meeting would provide the necessary capabilities to guide energy planning and equip the region with the tools to achieve its goals by 2040.