Mali has received a grant of US $1.8M from the Foundation for Clean Energy and Energy Inclusion in Africa (CEI Africa) which is aimed at expanding electrification activities in the rural parts of the country.
The funds are expected to support the expansion of the existing five solar mini-grids operated by WeLight in Mali. With the grant, the company plans to build nine new green mini-grids, which is estimated to provide electricity access to around 35,000 people in rural communities. This initiative is crucial for fostering socio-economic development in these areas.
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Sustainable development
WeLight has been operating in Mali since 2021 and has already installed five mini-grids, providing 1,000 connections in Malian villages. The additional support from CEI Africa is seen as a significant step in extending electricity access to more villages, contributing to overall community development.
The award of the results-based grant is contingent on fulfilling certain pre-conditions agreed upon between CEI Africa and WeLight. These conditions likely include the execution of a grant agreement, and the disbursement of the grant will occur upon the completion of the new electricity connections.
This initiative aligns with broader goals related to energy access and sustainable development. According to the Direction nationale de l’énergie (DNE), Mali aims to achieve 53% access to electricity by 2021, and this funding is expected to contribute towards reaching that target. Electrification in rural areas plays a crucial role in improving living conditions, promoting economic activities, and enhancing overall quality of life for the communities involved.
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