Mali secures 166 million euro loan for Bamako’s 225 kv power loop

The Republic of Mali has finalized the last funding phase for the Northern 225 kV High-Voltage Loop of Bamako (PBNB), a landmark project set to transform the country’s energy infrastructure. With a total investment of €166 million, this initiative will serve as the backbone for power supply across the capital city and its surrounding peri-urban areas.

According to official projections, the PBNB will connect 10,000 new households and small businesses to the grid, while significantly enhancing electrical reliability for roughly 40 industrial facilities. The project’s scope includes the construction of a dual-circuit 225 kV transmission line spanning approximately 103 kilometers, linking key locations such as Kodialani, Kambila, Safo, and Dialakorobougou. Additionally, two existing substations will be upgraded, and three new transformer substations will be erected—two in Safo and one in Kénié.

Progress took a decisive step forward in early July when Mali’s National Transitional Council (CNT) approved loan agreements signed in February 2026 between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Malian government. This endorsement follows earlier financing commitments, including a €68 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) secured in December 2025, a €43.7 million pledge from the West African Development Bank (BOAD) finalized in May 2025, and an initial €45 million investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in December 2020.

The AfDB’s contribution, totaling €57.7 million, will be disbursed through multiple financial instruments. The African Development Fund—the bank’s concessional lending arm—provided a €30.8 million loan, while the Transition Support Facility contributed an additional €16.6 million. The Climate Investment Fund supplied a €4.4 million loan alongside a €5.9 million grant, complemented by a €1.9 million grant from the Green Climate Fund. Together, these resources cover 36.13% of the project’s total cost, with the Malian government contributing an additional 3.6% in co-financing.

The completed loop is expected to lay the groundwork for future energy integration, including the Guinea-Mali interconnection, the Manantali 2 transmission line, and new solar power plants slated for Kambila and Safo. These developments will further diversify Mali’s energy mix and reinforce grid stability.