Senegal's Energy Landscape

Senegal's electrification rate is estimated to be at 95.2% in urban areas but 47.4% rurally population having access to electricity. (International Energy Agency) This lack of access to electricity in rural areas has significant negative impacts on health, education, and economic opportunities for people living in these areas.

To address this issue, the government of Senegal has launched various initiatives aimed at expanding access to electricity. These include the National Rural Electrification Program, which aims to provide electricity to all rural areas by 2025, and the Scaling Solar Program, which aims to increase the share of solar energy in the country's energy mix. (African Development Bank)

Senegal has attracted significant investment in renewable energy projects. In 2019, the country signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation to develop a 60 MW solar power plant, which will be one of the largest in West Africa. (International Finance Corporation) 

Senegal's high reliance on fossil fuels and limited access to electricity presents an opportunity for investment in renewable energy and expansion of energy access. The country has significant potential for solar and wind energy, with a capacity of 350 GW for solar and 10 GW for wind (IRENA).

Senegal's government has implemented policies and initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, such as the Emerging Senegal Plan, which has attracted significant investment deals from institutions like the African Development Bank.

Moreover, the West African Power Pool aims to interconnect the electricity networks of fifteen West African countries, including Senegal, presenting an opportunity for increased energy connectivity and power trading (African Development Bank).