Solar Mini-Grids in Benin: A Pioneering Project for Rural Electrification

Context
Access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a major challenge in rural areas of West Africa.
In Benin, the MCA-Benin II program, funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, has established a structured regulatory framework to support off-grid electrification and attract private investment.

Within this framework, NEoT Offgrid Africa, GDS International, and ARESS have joined forces to create Les Soleils du Bénin, a joint venture dedicated to developing and operating a portfolio of solar mini-grids.

The Challenge
Electrify 12 rural communities in under one year:
The project aims to deliver clean, reliable electricity to over 5,000 households and businesses, addressing both energy poverty and geographic isolation.

Results & Impact

• Deployment of robust energy capacity
  • 1.7 MW of installed solar photovoltaic capacity
  • 3 MWh of battery storage to ensure continuous power supply
• Accès à l’électricité pour +5 000 foyers et entreprises en zone rurale.
• Réduction des émissions carbone grâce à une énergie 100 % renouvelable.
• Création d’emplois locaux pour l’installation et la maintenance des mini-réseaux.
• Un réseau connecté et optimisé : Grâce à une gestion intelligente de l’énergie, les mini-réseaux permettent une distribution efficace, minimisant les pertes et maximisant la fiabilité du service.

Why Neot Offgrid Africa?
As a specialist in energy infrastructure financing in Africa, NEoT Offgrid Africa supports both operators and governments in their transition toward clean, accessible energy.