Efforts to expand solar energy in Mali are gaining momentum, offering some hope in a country grappling with persistent power outages, economic instability, and ongoing security threats. However, significant challenges remain as demand for electricity continues to outpace supply.
In Bamako’s bustling Grand Marché, phone repairman Bourama Doumbia has seen his business suffer due to the unreliable electricity supply. “Power cuts used to last up to 38 hours last year. Although outages are less frequent now, I’ve lost a lot of customers because of the disruptions,” Doumbia said.
Energy Crisis is Linked with Political Instability
Mali’s worsening energy crisis has been exacerbated by political instability following two military coups since 2020 and escalating violence from separatist groups and militants. According to analysts, electricity demand has surged by up to 10%, but Mali’s main power provider, EDM, remains unable to meet the growing needs.
“EDM relies heavily on diesel-powered generators, which are expensive and inefficient,” explained Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at Control Risks.
Rural Communities Turn to Solar Power
In response, rural communities largely untouched by the ongoing conflict are turning to small-scale solar power projects. The Malian Agency for the Development of Domestic Energy and Rural Electrification (AMADER) reports that rural electrification stands at just 25% nationwide.
One success story is the village of Karan, near the Mali-Guinea border. Since 2021, its 3,000 residents have benefitted from an 18-kilowatt mini solar power plant equipped with 114 solar panels and 72 storage batteries. The system distributes electricity across the village via overhead cables, powering homes and businesses.
Local baker Samba Diakité said the solar project has transformed his operations. “I used to rely on diesel, which was expensive and unreliable. If the generator broke down, production stopped for days while I waited for mechanics from Bamako,” he said. “Now, I save money and run my bakery without those interruptions.”
Full Transition to Clean Energy Requires 10 to 15 Years
Experts estimate that achieving universal electrification in Mali will require $1.3 billion in investment, with more than half allocated to developing mini-grids like the one in Karan.
While solar energy offers a promising alternative, analysts warn that Mali and other Sahel nations such as Niger and Burkina Faso—also under military rule—will likely continue depending on unreliable fossil fuel-based power sources for the foreseeable future. A full transition to clean energy, they predict, may not be realized for another 10 to 15 years.