Mali Moves to End Power Outages in Bamako With Major Grid Upgrade

West Africa WeeklyJanuary 19, 20261 Mins read288

Mali has taken a significant step toward reducing chronic electricity outages in its capital, Bamako, following the approval of substantial financing to modernise the city’s power network.

More than 36 billion CFA francs in funding has been secured from the Islamic Development Bank to strengthen and stabilise Bamako’s electricity infrastructure. The investment is expected to address long-standing grid weaknesses that have led to frequent load shedding and disruptions to households, businesses, and public institutions.

At the centre of the project is the construction of the 225-kilovolt Northern Loop, a high-voltage transmission line designed to improve electricity distribution across the capital. Authorities say the new line will help balance power loads, reduce pressure on existing infrastructure, and limit the risk of large-scale outages in the event of technical faults.

Energy officials note that the project will also enhance the network’s overall security by providing alternative transmission routes, making the system more resilient during incidents or maintenance operations.

The government says the upgrade is aimed at significantly cutting power cuts, improving service quality, and supporting economic activity in Bamako. Hospitals, small businesses, and households are expected to benefit from a more reliable electricity supply. At the same time, the expanded capacity will help the network keep pace with the city’s rapid population growth and urban expansion.

While authorities caution that the project will not eliminate outages overnight, they describe it as a significant structural solution to a problem that has plagued the capital for years. Beyond immediate improvements, the initiative is also seen as a step toward strengthening Mali’s energy sovereignty and reducing the long-term vulnerability of its power system.

Once completed, the Northern Loop project is expected to play a central role in stabilising electricity supply in Bamako and supporting broader development goals in the country’s largest urban centre.