A Historic Step Towards Energy Integration in Africa
In a bold move to reshape regional electricity access, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate a joint electricity interconnection project, a 330kV high-voltage power line designed to improve energy reliability and trade across West Africa.
Signed on June 27, 2025, this agreement marks a major milestone in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable energy and regional cooperation. It reflects a shared commitment to a greener, more stable electricity market under the framework of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and the ECOWAS Energy Policy.
What’s the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Interconnection Project About?
The project involves building a 122-kilometer high-voltage double-circuit transmission line from Dunkwa II substation in Ghana to Bingerville substation near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This energy corridor will be equipped with remote-control systems and fiber optic technology, making it both modern and climate-resilient.
This cross-border power line aims to:
- Boost the electricity trade between the two countries
- Stabilize the power grid
- Strengthen Africa’s energy security and integration
The effort is part of a broader mission to create a unified electricity market in West Africa.
Project Governance: Oversight and Accountability
To ensure smooth execution, the MoU establishes two key bodies:
- Joint Technical Steering Committee: Led by the CEOs of GRIDCo (Ghana) and CI-Energies (Côte d’Ivoire), this team handles all technical coordination.
- Joint Interstate Committee: Chaired by both countries’ Energy Ministers, this group provides political direction and strategic oversight.
According to Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, these structures are crucial for transparency, collaboration, and success.
How Is It Funded?
The project is valued at $173.7 million. Funding includes:
- A World Bank-backed loan of 68 billion CFA francs (≈$110 million) approved by Côte d’Ivoire
- Technical support from the WAPP Secretariat
- Additional development assistance for feasibility and coordination
Why This Project Matters for Africa
This power interconnection is more than just infrastructure, it’s a transformational energy initiative for Africa. It promises to:
- Improve electricity reliability in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire
- Expand cross-border power trading
- Fuel regional economic development
- Support West Africa’s clean energy goals
It also aligns with ECOWAS’s mission of creating a resilient, sustainable, and secure energy future.
A Model for African Energy Unity
With strong governance and financing in place, the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire interconnection project is expected to move quickly into the implementation phase. It's a leading example of African nations working together to solve energy challenges, one grid at a time.
This initiative doesn’t just connect two countries; it powers a continent.
