While the constant hum of generators defines the energy landscape in many Nigerian cities, Cote d’Ivoire offers a stark contrast, with reliable power supply being the norm rather than the exception.
The contrast highlights the differing approaches both West African nations have taken toward achieving universal electricity access—a critical driver of economic growth and improved living standards.
Cote d’Ivoire has emerged as a regional leader in power supply, with official data showing that over 94 percent of its 32 million citizens have access to electricity.
The Economist recently wrote about Cote d’Ivoire’s success in improving access to electricity while highlighting how ongoing investments in thermal and renewable energy are set to further enhance performance in the coming year.
Between 2013 and 2023, Cote d’Ivoire increased its electricity generation from 7,209 MW to 11,132 MW, not only meeting domestic demand but also generating surplus power for export to neighboring countries such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
Despite substantial investments and multiple government-led initiatives, the country faces persistent energy deficits, hindering economic growth and industrial development.
Nigeria’s power sector was privatised in November 2013, with distribution and generation companies transferred to private investors amid high expectations for improved efficiency and capacity. However, a decade later, the national grid has added only an average of 1,500 MW, according to findings by BusinessDay, falling far short of the country’s growing energy demands.
Akinwunmi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) said at a recent forum that approximately 86 million Nigerians lack access to electricity, positioning the country as the global leader in this regard.
“The lack of electricity is killing Nigerian industries. Today, Nigeria is the number one country in the world in terms of the total number of people without electricity,” Adesina said at the public event.
The statistics paint a sobering picture. While official figures vary, estimates indicate that a significant portion of Nigeria’s population remains without access to the national grid. Even for those connected, electricity supply is often unreliable, disrupting businesses, limiting industrial productivity, and constraining overall economic growth.
In contrast, crossing the border into Cote d’Ivoire presents a markedly different reality. Over the past few decades, the country has made significant progress in expanding its electricity infrastructure and increasing access rates, positioning itself as a leader in West Africa’s energy landscape.
How it all started for Cote d’Ivoire
The journey started in 1993 when the Ivorian government, aiming to prevent another severe power crisis like the one in 1984, made a decision to privatise part of the energy sector—a first in Africa then.
This move was driven by the need to expand electricity access while minimising strain on public finances.
Two international consortiums played a pivotal role in Cote d’Ivoire’s energy transformation. The first developed the CIPREL power plant, which became operational in 1995, while the second constructed the Azito thermal plant near Yopougon in 1999, both contributing significantly to the country’s electricity generation capacity.
Initially producing 140 MW, the Azito plant has since tripled its capacity to 480 MW.
According to Jacques Kouassi, the plant’s Technical Director, this growth reflects the sector’s long-term stability.
World Bank’s role
Private investor confidence was vital for success, and the World Bank Group played a pivotal role. From 2010 to 2019, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) invested over $400 million in Azito and CIPREL, while mobilising an additional $1.1 billion from institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the French Development Agency (AFD).
The International Development Association (IDA) also provided $30 million in guarantees to attract private investment and supported sector reforms.
During the 2011 post-election crisis, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) issued a $116 million guarantee to protect investors, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Kouassi noted that the World Bank’s involvement boosted investor trust, contributing to the sector’s resilience. Even during political turmoil, Azito never experienced outages.
Expanding access, clean Energy
The World Bank’s support helped CI-Energies, the public operator, overcome financial challenges in 2018 with a $240 million IDA guarantee, avoiding a costly government bailout. This allowed debt restructuring and a €445 million market raise.
Efforts to modernise the sector also promoted cleaner energy. In 2013, Azito adopted combined-cycle technology, making Cote d’Ivoire the first African country to do so.
However, even in Cote d’Ivoire, challenges remain. While access rates are significantly higher than in Nigeria, ensuring affordability and extending the grid to all remote areas continues to be an ongoing effort.
The contrasting realities between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire serve as a powerful illustration of the critical role electricity access plays in national development.
Nigeria’s struggles
For a country with an estimated 200 million people, Nigeria’s national grid continues to struggle, generating an average of just 5,000 megawatts to power both industries and households. This shortfall has left over 80 million Nigerians without electricity, while many more endure unstable and unreliable supply, hampering economic productivity and everyday life.
Similarly, international development partners have injected billions into renewable energy projects, yet Nigeria’s national grid continues to struggle with inadequate transmission capacity, metering gaps, and limited distribution expansion. These persistent challenges have hindered the effective delivery of electricity, leaving much of the population underserved despite significant investments in the sector.
Energy analysts said Nigeria could learn from Cote d’Ivoire’s approach, particularly in diversifying its energy mix and improving governance in the power sector. While Nigeria has ambitious plans, including the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and solar mini-grid initiatives, implementation remains slow.
“Nigeria has the resources and potential, but execution is key,” said Aisha Mohammed, an energy analyst at the Lagos-based Center for Development Studies. “Without political will and transparency, even the best plans will fail.” (BusinessDay)
