NEWS

Ouagadougou, 30 June 2025 — Energy ministers from six Sahel countries gave a major boost to clean energy development by endorsing two key strategic documents at the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Desert to Power Initiative, led by the African Development Bank.

The approved Independent Power Producers (IPP) Common Protocol and Green Mini-Grid Strategy are set to accelerate private investment in large-scale solar and mini-grid projects across the region. Developed in collaboration with the Desert to Power Taskforce and the African Legal Support Facility, the IPP Common Protocol aims to standardize processes, reduce delays, and scale up impact on projects led by independent power producers.

Chaired by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, the high-level meeting drew participation from ministers and senior officials from Djibouti, Niger, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania. They welcomed the significant progress already achieved; over 15 projects underway and highlighted the need to continue building local capacity.

“This 5th Desert to Power Ministerial Meeting marks a new beginning,” said Minister Gouba. “We must double our efforts and work together to achieve our shared vision.”

Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Energy, praised the momentum: “The Common Protocol is a game-changer for unlocking private solar investment in the Sahel.” He also encouraged countries to tap into Mission 300, a joint AfDB–World Bank drive to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

The meeting concluded with a field visit to the Gonsin solar plant, a 42 MWp facility with 10 MW of storage, demonstrating Desert to Power’s tangible impact on the ground in Burkina Faso.

Ouagadougou, 30 June 2025 — Energy ministers from six Sahel countries gave a major boost to clean energy development by endorsing two key strategic documents at the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Desert to Power Initiative, led by the African Development Bank.

The approved Independent Power Producers (IPP) Common Protocol and Green Mini-Grid Strategy are set to accelerate private investment in large-scale solar and mini-grid projects across the region. Developed in collaboration with the Desert to Power Taskforce and the African Legal Support Facility, the IPP Common Protocol aims to standardize processes, reduce delays, and scale up impact on projects led by independent power producers.

Chaired by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, the high-level meeting drew participation from ministers and senior officials from Djibouti, Niger, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania. They welcomed the significant progress already achieved; over 15 projects underway and highlighted the need to continue building local capacity.

“This 5th Desert to Power Ministerial Meeting marks a new beginning,” said Minister Gouba. “We must double our efforts and work together to achieve our shared vision.”

Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Energy, praised the momentum: “The Common Protocol is a game-changer for unlocking private solar investment in the Sahel.” He also encouraged countries to tap into Mission 300, a joint AfDB–World Bank drive to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

The meeting concluded with a field visit to the Gonsin solar plant, a 42 MWp facility with 10 MW of storage, demonstrating Desert to Power’s tangible impact on the ground in Burkina Faso.