The African Development Bank Group has approved $68.26 million in financing to support Mali’s Bamako 225 KV North Loop Project, aimed at strengthening the city’s electricity network. The funding package includes concessional loans, transition support, and climate-focused contributions from multiple partners, forming part of a larger $190 million investment jointly financed by regional and international institutions.
The project seeks to resolve longstanding challenges in Mali’s power sector, where electricity access remains uneven and demand continues to grow rapidly. Limited generation capacity, heavy reliance on thermal power, network losses, and dependence on imported fuel have strained the system and increased financial pressures on the state.
Once implemented, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance the stability and reliability of the electricity supply in Bamako. According to officials, the improved energy infrastructure will also support agricultural value chains and help create economic opportunities, particularly for young people and women.
The project includes the construction of new high-voltage transmission lines, additional substations, and the expansion of existing network facilities. It will also extend medium- and low-voltage lines to newly developing neighbourhoods, connect 10,000 new consumers, and install smart meters for high-voltage users to improve monitoring and efficiency.
In addition to expanding energy access, the initiative will generate temporary and permanent jobs, offer internships for young graduates, and incorporate environmental and social safeguards such as public consultations and land management support. The enhanced grid is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than half of what the current system would produce without the upgrades.
Spanning from 2026 to 2030, the project will ultimately benefit the entire population of Bamako by delivering more reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity.
