Benin and Togo join forces to secure energy independence and industrial growth
In response to the persistent unreliability of external energy providers, Bénin and Togo are intensifying their political cooperation. To safeguard the expansion of their respective industrial hubs, the two neighboring nations have decided to pool their financial resources and strategic efforts toward achieving true electrical autonomy.
A major incident on April 23, involving a fire at the Akosombo substation in Ghana, suddenly stripped 1,000 megawatts from the regional grid. This led to an immediate halt in exports to Togo and Bénin the following day. This event underscores a harsh reality: during supply shortages, nations prioritize their own domestic needs over regional exports.
Earlier in 2024, failures in the West African Gas Pipeline forced Togo to urgently mobilize 31 billion FCFA to offset the lack of Nigerian gas. This shared fragility highlights the structural limitations of the Communauté Électrique du Bénin (CEB). Established in 1968, the organization has largely remained a transporter of electricity without developing its own significant production capacity.
The Adjarala project: A catalyst for industrial sovereignty
The challenge has shifted from a technical issue to a high-level political priority. The definitive solution lies in the Adjarala dam project on the Mono River. With an estimated cost of 266 billion FCFA and a projected capacity of 147 megawatts, this infrastructure promises stable electricity for three decades. Furthermore, it will facilitate the irrigation of 14,700 hectares of farmland in Togo.
Such an investment is crucial for the industrial ambitions of both countries. The Glo-Djigbé economic zone in Bénin, which has seen over $1 billion in investment for processing cotton and cashews, and the Adétikopé platform in Togo can no longer rely on the energy whims of neighboring states. By creating a unified energy market, these nations intend to increase their leverage with international investors.
Tapping into local savings as international funding shifts
As global financial institutions move away from funding fossil fuel projects, Cotonou and Lomé are rethinking their financing strategies. They plan to mobilize long-term local savings by engaging national social security funds (CNSS) and insurance companies. These entities currently hold significant reserves often placed in short-term government securities. Experts suggest that issuing joint energy bonds, backed by both states, could transform these social savings into a powerful engine for regional infrastructure development.
A landmark political convergence
The official visit of Bénin‘s Romuald Wadagni to Lomé on June 3, 2026, represents a significant turning point. A joint statement issued during the visit outlines a future of economic complementarity and interconnected infrastructure. The visions of both administrations are aligning: Bénin aims to add 100 megawatts to its grid every two years, while Togo is working toward universal electricity access by 2030. This unprecedented political alignment provides a rare window of opportunity to finally secure collective energy independence.
