Mali and Russia have officially launched construction on West Africa’s largest solar power plant, a landmark project designed to address the nation’s severe electricity shortages. This 200-megawatt plant in Sanankoroba, spanning 314 hectares, is expected to significantly improve Mali’s power supply, where only half the population currently has reliable access.
Africa’s Largest Solar Power Plant
Malian Energy Minister Bintou Camara announced the project’s official launch on national television, marking a major step forward. Set to be the largest 200 megawatt solar farm in the subregion, the new plant in Sanankoroba is poised to mitigate ongoing power outages.
Images: Collected
Grigory Nazarov, director of the Russian firm NovaWind overseeing the construction, stated the plant will increase Mali’s total electricity production by 10%. NovaWind is a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom.
The estimated 200 MW solar power plant cost is over €200 million (approximately $217 million), and construction is expected to take one year to complete. Nazarov added that the initial benefits should be visible within the first four months of construction.
Cutting Energy Costs in Mali
The new solar facility is designed for 20 years of stable operation. After a decade, the Malian Ministry of Energy will assume full management, ensuring long-term local control.
Currently, 70% of Mali’s electricity production depends on costly thermal energy, which has strained the finances of the national provider, Énergie du Mali. Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou highlighted these challenges when the agreement was signed, noting the company is grappling with a debt exceeding $330 million that hinders its ability to supply power reliably.
This project represents a significant step toward diversifying Mali’s energy mix. The government views the introduction of solar energy as a sustainable and crucial solution for easing the country’s energy crisis and reducing its reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
In addition to this major solar project, Mali is planning to start construction on two other solar power plants near Bamako. These projects—set to begin on May 28 and June 1—will be developed by Chinese and Emirati companies, further boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity.
Power Plants: Strengthening Bond Between Russia and Mali
Russia’s involvement in Mali has grown through the Wagner Group—a private military company that has operated in the country since the 2010s. This collaboration aligns with broader Russian interests in resource-rich Africa. In a recent phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malian junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita discussed strengthening cooperation in key sectors like energy, agriculture, and mining.
The Malian presidency has endorsed the solar project as a pivotal move to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and advance its energy infrastructure. It is expected to substantially improve the country’s ability to meet its electricity needs and support long-term economic stability.
The construction of this solar power plant marks a significant development in Mali’s energy sector, reflecting a strategic partnership between Mali and Russia and a national commitment to a more sustainable energy future.
