Kong, Côte d’Ivoire: Dignitaries came together yesterday to mark the official launch of the 50MWp Kong Solaire project in the Tchologo region of Côte d’Ivoire. Kong Solaire has been co-developed by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), through its project development solution, InfraCo, and Ivorian developer Africa Via, with Axian Energy joining the consortium earlier this year.
The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the Directorate General of Energy, the Ministry of Finance and Budget and Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-Energies), as well as project stakeholders and members of the local community.
Speaking at the event, Abdelali Halhal, PIDG Regional Business Development Lead for West and Central Africa, said, “It is an honour to…celebrate the launch of Kong Solaire…I would like to acknowledge and thank the Ivorian Government, the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the Directorate General of Energy, and CI-Energies. Their leadership and vision make possible the realisation of large-scale projects that support the country’s energy transition. This project, developed in partnership with Africa Via, Axian Energy, and the Ivorian State, illustrates what we can achieve together: delivering clean and competitive energy, strengthening national energy security, and contributing to the government’s ambitious target of reaching 45% renewable energy by 2030.”
Africa Via’s CEO, Mr Minkaïla Salami, added, “We are delighted to co-develop this project with PIDG, with whom we share common ambitions to realise the implementation of projects that enable the sustainable development of Pan-African economies and directly benefit the most vulnerable populations.”
Benjamin Memmi, CEO of Axian Energy, said, “We are proud to bring this landmark project to life for Côte d’Ivoire’s energy landscape together with our partners PIDG and Africa Via. Kong Solaire is a pioneering initiative that contributes to a sovereign and resilient energy transition in Africa. We see this as a first of many high-impact projects, and we are committed to continuing to invest in renewable energy to support Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition for a balanced and sustainable energy mix.”
Delivered under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the 50MWp plant will meet the electricity needs of up to 240,000 people. As one of the country’s first solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Kong Solaire will also develop replicable documentation and financial frameworks designed to attract new investors and accelerate Côte d’Ivoire’s wider energy transition.
Mr Halhal concluded, “The Kong Solar Park is not just a 50 MWp power plant: it is a symbol of progress, partnership, and a brighter future for Côte d’Ivoire.”
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Lorna McNae, Senior Communications Manager, PIDG
