The government of Benin has announced plans to extend its electricity distribution network to 750 localities, providing 120,000 new connections. This initiative is made possible through a financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD), signed on October 5, 2026, by the Minister Delegate for External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management. The project aims to improve access to electricity in the country.
The project, known as PEDER+, will be implemented in 15 communes across three departments: Mono, Couffo, and Borgou. Specifically, the localities of Athiémé, Bopa, Comè, Grand-Popo, Houéyogbé, Lokossa, Aplahoué, Djakotomey, Dogbo, Klouékanmè, Lalo, Toviklin, N’Dali, Parakou, and Tchaourou will benefit from the expanded electricity network. A total of 52.1 billion FCFA (approximately 79.4 million euros) has been allocated for this project.
The financing agreement consists of a 32.8 billion FCFA (50 million euros) loan from the AFD and a 19.3 billion FCFA (29.4 million euros) grant from the European Union. The project has three main objectives: to improve the quality of service, reduce disparities in access to electricity across different regions, and minimize network losses to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Société béninoise d’énergie électrique (SBEE).
The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the country's energy infrastructure. During the official visit of the Head of State to France, two financing conventions totaling 61.9 billion FCFA (94.4 million euros) were signed with the AFD. This project is expected to have a significant impact on the daily lives of citizens and support economic development in the region.
Improving access to electricity is a key priority for the Beninese government. The country has made significant progress in recent years, but challenges persist, particularly in rural areas. The PEDER+ project aims to address these challenges and provide reliable and efficient electricity services to a larger population.
The project's success will be measured by its ability to achieve its objectives and improve the overall quality of life for Beninese citizens. The government has expressed its commitment to ensuring the project's effective implementation and maximizing its benefits for the population.
The Beninese government's efforts to enhance its energy infrastructure have been recognized by international partners. The country continues to work towards achieving its development goals, and the PEDER+ project is an important step in this direction.
Key points
- The project will provide 120,000 new electricity connections in 750 localities across Benin.
- The initiative is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union, with a total budget of 52.1 billion FCFA.
- The project aims to improve the quality of service, reduce disparities in access to electricity, and minimize network losses.
