Implementation of a electrified business park in the Kita Circle

Mali is an extremely fragile country, especially in economic terms. It has a poverty rate of 47% and struggles to provide basic services to its population (access to education, drinking water, electricity). This is particularly noticeable in the country’s most remote regions where the potential for development is hampered due to the absence of electricity.

Moreover, Mali’s main growth lever is built upon the agricultural sector and therefore the population is strongly dependent on rainfall - increasingly unpredictable due to climate dysregulation - in order to survive.

Based on the above, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has joined forces with the NGO GERES to set up an electrified business park (EBP) in the Kita Circle in the Kayes region in the North West of the country. This circle comprises 33 municipalities and close to 450,000 inhabitants.

The aim of the project is to supply electricity to the EBP thanks to a 100% renewable energy mix made up of solar energy and jatropha-based pure vegetable oil (PVO). This clean energy will benefit local businesses and promote economic development in the region.

The initiative pursues several goals:

• 1800 jatropha-growing family farms will strengthen and improve their production techniques.
• Local players (cooperatives, millers) and institutions will be made more aware of the agricultural and energy uses of the jatropha.
• Approximately 600 square metres of bioclimatic buildings will be developed for the needs of small rural companies.
• 10 to 15 companies and/or groups of individuals will have access to 100% renewable electricity, 24/7, in powers consistent with their requirements.
• Long-term governance and management procedures for the EBP infrastructure will be defined and implemented by local players.
• 10 to 15 companies and/or groups of individuals will be given support for their development.