The 8th West African Mining Week (SAMAO) and the 1st Energy, Mining and Hydrocarbons Week of the AES (SEMH-AES) participants embarked on a field trip to explore Burkina Faso's energy and art sectors. The trip included visits to the Zagtouli solar power plant and the Laongo sculpture site. This excursion aimed to provide a hands-on experience of the country's energy production and cultural heritage.
At the Zagtouli solar power plant, participants gained insights into Burkina Faso's first large-scale solar power project. The plant, supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union, has a total investment of 47.5 million euros. It began operations in February 2018 and aims to reduce the country's reliance on foreign energy supplies, increase renewable energy sources, and improve the electrical service.
A Nigerien delegation from the Niger Electricity Company (Nigelec) was part of the visit and noted similarities between their challenges and those faced by Burkina Faso's national electricity company, SONABEL. The visit allowed the delegation to learn from Burkina Faso's experiences and share their own expertise. The Nigerien delegates expressed appreciation for the opportunity to understand Burkina Faso's energy realities and explore potential areas for collaboration.
The Zagtouli solar power plant faces challenges such as equipment maintenance and heat management. The plant's productivity is also influenced by weather conditions, with rainy periods and moderate sunshine sometimes leading to increased energy production. These are issues that the Nigelec delegation also encounters in their own operations.
After visiting the solar power plant, the participants traveled to Laongo, a site featuring an extensive collection of sculptures. The site showcases Burkina Faso's rich cultural heritage, with the sculptures on display reflecting the country's history, identity, and artistic expression. This leg of the trip provided a unique opportunity for the delegates to experience the country's vibrant art scene.
The field trip concluded with a relaxing stop at Loumbila, followed by the delegates' return to Ouagadougou. This excursion was an integral part of the SAMAO and SEMH-AES events, which took place from September 14 to 19, 2026, at the SIAO in Ouagadougou. The trip allowed participants to engage with Burkina Faso's energy and cultural sectors beyond the conference and exhibition settings.
The SAMAO and SEMH-AES events brought together industry stakeholders to discuss key issues and share experiences. The field trip demonstrated the value of collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing common challenges in the energy and mining sectors. Key to this endeavor is enhancing expertise and exploring opportunities for growth and development in the region.
Key points
- The visit to the Zagtouli solar power plant and Laongo sculpture site was a crucial part of the SAMAO 2026 and SEMH-AES events.
- The excursion provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry stakeholders from different countries.
- The events took place from September 14 to 19, 2026, at the SIAO in Ouagadougou.
