Ivory Coast has commissioned a 52.4 MW solar power plant, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to expand renewable energy generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The project supports the government's ambitious target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix to 46% by 2035, while reinforcing Ivory Coast's position as a leading electricity supplier in West Africa.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mines Minister Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly said the project demonstrates the country's commitment to accelerating the energy transition through the diversification of power generation sources. The new solar facility forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security, improve sustainability and support long-term economic growth.

Located in Ferkessedougou in northern Ivory Coast, the Ferke Solar Plant is expected to supply clean electricity to approximately 370,000 households, benefiting nearly two million people across the region. The project was developed and financed by PFO Africa, through its subsidiary PFO Energies, under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model.

Ivory Coast currently has an installed electricity generation capacity of around 3,000 MW, with the majority of its power produced from oil and natural gas. The country also exports electricity to several neighbouring West African nations, making continued investment in renewable energy critical for meeting both domestic demand and regional energy requirements.

The commissioning of the Ferke Solar Plant highlights Ivory Coast's growing commitment to clean energy infrastructure, supporting climate goals while strengthening its leadership in West Africa's evolving renewable energy landscape.