Mali secures €166 million for Bamako’s north 225kv power loop

The Malian government has finalized the financing for the North 225 kV high-voltage loop project in Bamako, securing a total investment of €166 million. This infrastructure will serve as the backbone for powering the capital city and its surrounding peri-urban areas. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the initiative is set to connect 10,000 new households and small businesses while significantly enhancing the electricity supply for approximately 40 industrial facilities.

Project scope and infrastructure details

The Bamako North 225 kV loop (PBNB) involves constructing a 103 km double-circuit 225 kV transmission line linking key locations such as Kodialani, Kambila, Safo, and Dialakorobougou. The project also includes expanding two existing substations and building three new ones, with critical additions planned at Safo and Kénié.

Milestone approvals and funding sources

In early July, Mali’s National Transitional Council (CNT) officially endorsed loan agreements signed between the AfDB and the Malian government on February 25, 2026. This ratification follows previous funding confirmations, including a €68 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in December 2025, a €43.7 million commitment from the West African Development Bank (BOAD) in May 2025, and an initial €45 million pledge from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in December 2020.

AfDB’s financial instruments and contributions

The AfDB’s €57.7 million package comprises multiple financial tools. The African Development Fund, its concessional lending arm, provided a €30.8 million loan, while the Transition Support Facility contributed €16.6 million. Additionally, the Climate Investment Funds allocated a €4.4 million loan and a €5.9 million grant, supplemented 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% through co-financing.

These investments are designed to strengthen the grid’s capacity to integrate future energy sources, including the Guinea-Mali interconnection, the Manantali 2 power line, and planned solar plants in Kambila and Safo, as highlighted by the AfDB.