The African Development Bank (AfDB), through its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), has reconfirmed a €6 million concessional finance package to develop the 18MW Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso. Earlier reports in 2024 had already highlighted this commitment, and the recent signing formalizes the Bank’s support to scale up renewable energy capacity in the Sahel region. The country has been making great strides in clean energy production.
€6 Million Financing Package to Unlock Clean Power
The concessional finance includes a €2.5 million senior loan and a €3.5 million reimbursable grant, along with senior and subordinated loans from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). The deal was sealed during a signing ceremony in Paris on July 18th, attended by AfDB, FMO, developer Qair, and legal advisors A&O Shearman and Trinity.
Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso: Supporting National Energy Goals
Situated about 250 kilometres west of Ouagadougou, the Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso will deliver 18MW of clean power under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the national utility, Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL). It stands as one of the country’s first independent power producer (IPP) projects — a crucial step towards diversifying Burkina Faso’s energy mix.
Aligned with the Desert-to-Power Initiative
The project supports AfDB’s Desert-to-Power program, which aims to transform the Sahel into the world’s largest solar power zone by delivering up to 10GW of solar capacity across 11 countries by 2030. As a priority project, the plant will help Burkina Faso reduce electricity costs, expand affordable access, and strengthen economic opportunities in local communities.
Private Sector-Led Clean Energy Expansion
Dr. Daniel Schroth, AfDB’s Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said the Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso demonstrates how catalytic concessional funding can unlock private-sector-led projects that accelerate Africa’s clean energy transition.
Project developer Qair noted that this confirmed support follows the successful commissioning of its first 24MW solar plant in Zano in 2023. “This reconfirmed financing shows SEFA and FMO’s trust in our mission to deliver impactful renewable energy solutions for Burkina Faso and the region,” said Abdoulaye Toure, CFO of Qair Africa.
Strong Commitment to Environmental Safeguards
The project will be developed with a robust Environmental and Social Management System to ensure responsible operations and limit any environmental or social risks.
Project Factsheet: Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso
Project Name:
Dédougou Solar Power Plant
Location:
Dédougou, Burkina Faso (approx. 250 km west of Ouagadougou)
Installed Capacity:
18 MW
Key Funders:
- African Development Bank (AfDB)
- Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)
- Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO)
Financing Package:
- €6 million from SEFA:
- €2.5 million senior concessional loan
- €3.5 million reimbursable grant
- Additional senior and subordinated loans from FMO
Developer:
Qair Africa
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):
25 years with SONABEL (Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso)
Program Alignment:
Part of the Desert-to-Power initiative (goal: 10GW solar capacity across 11 Sahel countries by 2030)
Key Milestones:
- Initial approval reported early 2024
- Financing reconfirmed and signed in July 2025
Project Impact:
- Boosts Burkina Faso’s clean energy generation
- Diversifies national energy mix
- Lowers electricity costs
- Improves access to affordable, reliable power
- Supports economic growth and local jobs
Environmental Measures:
Comprehensive Environmental and Social Management System to ensure sustainability
Related Project:
Qair’s first 24MW solar plant in Zano, operational since 2023
With committed backing from SEFA and FMO, the Dédougou Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso stands as a model for future IPP-led renewable projects that will bring affordable, sustainable energy to the Sahel region.
