Togo is advancing its national goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, with a major solar street lighting project now extending into the country’s southern Maritime region. Spearheaded by the Togolese Agency for Rural Electrification and Renewable Energies (AT2ER), the ambitious program aims to install a total of 50,000 solar-powered street lamps across 5,000 localities nationwide.
Southern Expansion and Project Progress with Togolese Firm Installs 50,000 Solar Street Lamps in Maritime Region
Following the successful installation of over 30,000 lamps primarily in the northern Savanes and Kara regions, the project is now being introduced to southern authorities. On July 25, local officials gathered in Davié for a detailed presentation on the deployment, security, and maintenance of the new infrastructure. Dr. Tchapo Singo, head of AT2ER and Director General of Energy, confirmed the project’s scope, stating, “The project will cover 5,000 localities across different regions, with a particular focus on the Savanes region.” The French company Sunna Design is managing the installation and upkeep, providing critical technical expertise for the nationwide rollout.
International Funding and Local Impact
The initiative is financially supported by a €40 million loan from France under the framework of the Rural Solar Public Lighting Program (PEP’S Rural). This significant international investment highlights global confidence in Togo’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Local leaders have welcomed the project for its immediate benefits. Etsè Kodjo Kadévi, the Prefect of Zio, praised the effort, noting its potential to transform rural life. “This project will significantly improve the quality of life in our localities,” he remarked, emphasizing the positive impact on public lighting and community safety.
A Component of a Broader Energy Vision
This street lamp installation is part of Togo’s comprehensive strategy to bolster its energy sector with clean power. The nation is concurrently developing a 25 MW solar power plant in Dapaong, complete with a 40 MWh battery storage system. This larger plant is part of the Regional Urgent Intervention Project in the Solar Energy Sector (RESPITE), designed to provide electricity to at least 60 localities in the Savanes region.
The RESPITE initiative itself is backed by US $311 million from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessional lending arm, with US $60 million allocated specifically for Togo’s phase. This funding supports not only solar photovoltaic generation but also enhancements to hydroelectric capacity and distribution networks. By investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, Togo aims to stimulate socio-economic development, enhance public security, and establish itself as a regional leader in the green energy transition.
Sources
- The first evidence of a take-off in solar in Africa – Ember
- Inauguration of PEP’S solar lighting project in Togo – Sunna Design
- PROPOSAL FOR INNOVATION LARGE GRANT FOR TOGO
- Positive Impact company – the testimony of Sun King’s … – Altaroc
- Togo: the “50000 street lamps” project presented to local authorities …
- Bridging Togo’s Energy Gap: Renewable Energy Potentials, Policy …
- Togo: 50000 Solar Street Lamps Project Presented to Maritime …
- Sunna Design Awarded $45 Million Contract for Solar Street Lighting
