Senegal is set to receive a sum of US $8.7M Pioneering Energy-Efficiency Project from the African Development Bank to fund the Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps” (PPLEEF), a landmark initiative aimed at transforming energy efficiency across the country.
This is the Bank’s first fully demand-side energy efficiency investment project, marking a milestone in sustainable energy solutions for Africa. The goal is to establish Senegal as a leader in energy efficiency and sustainable energy practices in Africa.
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Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps
The PPLEEF initiative is poised to transform energy usage in Senegal, benefiting nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses across Dakar, Thiès, and Diourbel regions. By replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with modern LED lighting, the project will deliver substantial energy savings, reduce electricity costs, and significantly cut carbon emissions. Central to the initiative is its innovative on-bill financing model, which enables consumers to repay the cost of the new lighting through monthly energy savings. This model ensures the program is both accessible and affordable for all participants.
By aligning with Senegal’s national goals, the program advances universal energy access, reduces grid strain, and supports climate action. In addition the redirected energy savings will be used to enhance electricity access, improving service reliability for Senegalese citizens.
Jalel Chabchoub, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer at the AfDB, emphasized the significance of the program. “The PPLEEF is a milestone for Senegal’s sustainable development journey, reducing energy demand during peak hours and paving the way for efficient appliances in future phases.”
“This program will positively impact household and small business budgets and reinforce electricity availability,” Mame Coumba Ndiaye, General Director of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME), noted.
From 2019 to 2024, the AfDB committed approximately $6 billion to energy projects across Africa. The launch of the PPLEEF aligns with the broader goals of initiatives like Mission 300, co-launched by the AfDB and World Bank Group, aiming to close Africa’s energy access gap.
The PPLEEF sets a precedent for integrating innovative financial models and energy efficiency technologies into national development strategies, offering a replicable pathway for other African countries to follow in their energy transition journey.