“African Development Bank’s Game-Changing Energy-Efficiency Project Transforms Senegal”
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has taken a significant step toward energy sustainability in Africa by approving an €8.51 million loan for Senegal’s “Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps” (PPLEEF). This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency while setting a new precedent for sustainable development across the continent. Notably, PPLEEF is the Bank’s first fully dedicated demand-side energy efficiency project, making it a landmark achievement.
Transforming Energy Usage in Senegal
The PPLEEF initiative is designed to modernize energy consumption in Senegal by replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting. This transformative program is expected to impact nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses in key regions such as Dakar, Thiès, and Diourbel.
The benefits of this project go beyond just illumination. By reducing energy consumption, it will lower electricity costs for users and cut carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. Central to its success is the innovative on-bill financing model, which allows consumers to pay for the new LED lights through monthly savings on their energy bills, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
Jalel Chabchoub, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer at AfDB, emphasized the program’s significance:
“PPLEEF represents a milestone in Senegal’s commitment to sustainable development and universal energy access. By reducing energy demand during peak hours and introducing more efficient appliances, this initiative will shape a sustainable energy future, not only for Senegal but for Africa as a whole.”
Benefits for Communities and the Energy Sector
The program’s impact extends beyond financial savings for households and small businesses. It will ease the strain on Senegal’s energy grid, resulting in annual electricity savings of over 189 GWh. These savings can be redirected to enhance electricity availability, benefiting underserved populations. Mame Coumba Ndiaye, Director General of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME), noted, “This project will reduce energy bills for households and businesses while reinforcing electricity access across the nation.”
A Model for Africa’s Energy Future
PPLEEF is not just about immediate benefits—it’s a scalable and replicable model that other African nations can adopt. By cutting down energy consumption, the program reduces the need for costly investments in additional power generation, particularly during peak demand periods.
This initiative aligns with Africa’s broader energy goals, including the ‘Mission 300’ campaign, launched by AfDB in collaboration with the World Bank and other global partners. These combined efforts aim to close Africa’s energy access gap and promote sustainable development on a continental scale.
In Commitment to Africa’s Energy Transformation:
Between 2019 and 2024, AfDB has allocated approximately $6 billion to energy projects across Africa, reflecting a deep commitment to bridging the energy divide. With programs like PPLEEF, the Bank is not just lighting up homes and businesses in Senegal—it’s illuminating a path to a brighter, greener, and more equitable energy future for all of Africa.
This project marks a pivotal moment in the continent’s journey toward energy efficiency and sustainability, showcasing the power of innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
