Rural Electrification Brings Hope to Villages
In a remote corner of Mali Solar, the introduction of solar power has transformed life for thousands. The border village of Karan, home to 3,000 residents, once endured frequent power outages that stifled business and daily activities. Today, thanks to a solar mini-grid operated by Madagascan startup WeLight since 2021, villagers have access to a steady supply of electricity.
This development has fueled local businesses, including small video gaming centers and bakeries, significantly reducing reliance on costly diesel generators. Samba Diakité, a local baker, previously spent $100 daily on fuel but now saves more than half of that amount, increasing his income to $124 per day. With 32 similar solar plants operating in Mali’s southern and southwestern regions, over 2 million people have benefited from this renewable energy source.
However, while solar energy has improved lives in some rural areas, much of Mali Solar still struggles with limited electricity access. According to the World Bank, only 53% of the population had access to electricity in 2021, with rural areas lagging at just 25%. Addressing this gap would require an estimated $1.3 billion in investment to expand power networks and develop more mini-grids.
Challenges of Expanding Solar Power
Mali’s government has taken steps to promote solar energy by removing customs duties on solar equipment and committing to subsidizing solar kits. Despite these efforts, the cost of solar energy remains nearly twice as high as fossil fuel-generated electricity in urban areas. Currently, villagers pay subscription fees between $30 and $164 for electricity meters, along with a usage fee of around $0.50 per kilowatt.
The increasing demand for electricity is evident in Karan, where WeLight’s solar grid expanded from 48 initial connections to over 200. Yet, financial and political hurdles continue to hinder broader implementation. The government recently approved new revenue sources, including levies on telephone, mobile money, and alcohol sales, to boost electricity production.
Political instability poses another significant challenge. Following two military coups, Mali’s strained relations with foreign partners led to the cancellation of critical rural electrification projects. A $39.5 million initiative backed by France and the European Union was scrapped, while a project funded by the Islamic Development Bank to electrify 24 villages was halted after the military government demanded a contract review. Additionally, the World Bank suspended $60 million in funding for Mali’s state-owned energy company due to financial disputes with the government.
Security Concerns and the Path Forward
Beyond financial and political barriers, security concerns have made rural electrification even more difficult. Extremist attacks in Mali’s northern regions have prevented the safe installation of solar mini-grids, limiting the scope of expansion. According to security analyst Beverly Ochieng, insecurity and governance challenges in the Sahel region make it difficult to sustain long-term energy projects.
Despite these obstacles, Mali solar power continues to improve lives in villages like Karan. For local welder Issa Doumbia, switching from a diesel generator to solar electricity has cut his daily costs from $16-$23 to just $8, though he hopes prices will decrease further. Meanwhile, trader Mah Konaré has expanded her business with the help of newly installed streetlights, which have also enhanced security in the village.
While Mali’s transition to solar energy offers hope, achieving universal electrification remains a long road fraught with financial, political, and security challenges. Yet, for many rural residents, even small steps toward stable electricity signal a brighter future.
