Mali's National Transitional Council (CNT) unanimously adopted a bill authorising the ratification of loan agreements signed on 25 February 2026 between the African Development Bank Group and the Malian government for the partial financing of the Bamako North 225 kV Loop Project. The project, with a total estimated cost of $190 million, aims to strengthen the security and reliability of electricity supply in the capital, Bamako, and surrounding areas.
The adoption of the bill paves the way for implementation of the project, which will modernise Bamako's electricity transmission and distribution network, connect 10,000 new households and small businesses to the grid, and improve the quality of supply for around 40 industrial units.
"This project will significantly ease the electricity supply challenges faced by people in the District of Bamako and surrounding towns concerned," said Mali's Minister of Energy and Water, Tiémoko Traoré, during the CNT plenary session.
The African Development Fund, the concessional lending window of the African Development Bank Group, has approved a loan of $35.27 million for the project, while the Transition Support Facility is providing a loan of $18.99 million. The Climate Investment Funds has granted a $5 million loan and a $6.8 million grant, complemented by a $2.2 million grant from the Green Climate Fund. Together, these resources amount to $68.26 million, or 36.13 percent of the project's total cost. Co-financing is being provided by the West African Development Bank (27.36 percent), the Islamic Development Bank (32.91 percent) and the Malian government (3.6 percent).
The project addresses major challenges in Mali's electricity subsector. In 2023, the national electricity access rate was estimated at 55.8 percent, including 86.6 percent in urban areas and 30.4 percent in rural areas. Demand is increasing by about 10 percent annually, while generation capacity remains insufficient and continues to rely heavily on thermal power. The sector also contends with high network losses, dependence on fuel imports, and financial pressures requiring state subsidies.
"This project will have multiple multiplier effects, particularly by supporting productive activities, employment and economic opportunities for people," said Cédric Mbeng Mezui, Country Office Manager of the African Development Bank Group for Mali.
Specifically, the project provides for the construction of a 225 kV high-voltage power line between the Kodialani and Dialakorobougou substations, the creation of two new substations at Safo and Kénié, and the extension of three existing substations at Kodialani, Kambila and Dialakorobougou. It also includes medium- and low-voltage lines to improve electricity distribution and serve new neighbourhoods in Bamako.
In the long term, these investments will facilitate the transmission of electricity from future supply sources, including the Guinea-Mali interconnection, the Manantali 2 line and the solar power plants planned at Kambila and Safo. They will help expand access to more reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy, while supporting economic activities, particularly agricultural value chains and jobs for young people and women.The official launch of activities is planned for the third quarter of 2026 and once implemented, the project is expected to secure Bamako's electricity supply, improve service quality for households and businesses, and support the transition to a more resilient energy system.
