Going for green energy: initial results from the EVER project in Senegal

A year ago, ADA launched the ‘Green Energy for Rural Development’ (EVER) project in Senegal, with the aim of demonstrating that solar energy can play a key role in rural development and in reducing the energy divide. The first positive effects are already visible on the ground.

Access to green energy is a priority 

With only 40% of rural areas electrified, Senegal is relying on decentralised photovoltaic solutions to accelerate access to energy. In partnership with local operator COSEER, the EVER project is seeking to provide a sustainable, local solution to secure access to electricity for rural communities. By managing around sixty solar mini-power stations, COSEER is connecting rural households and businesses while promoting the productive use of energy.

Tangible results from the very first year

Between January and December 2024, the project connected 977 new customers to the solar mini-power stations managed by COSEER. Of these, 608 households were connected for domestic use, while 369 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises were connected for productive use. These connections not only provide access to electricity but also yield visible effects on the living conditions and economic opportunities of the beneficiary communities.

Strengthening COSEER

Thanks to ADA's support, COSEER has been able to put together a dedicated team for operating the mini-power stations and for raising community awareness. The operator has also improved its organisational capabilities to better meet customers’ needs, while preparing a favourable framework for attracting investors and forging new partnerships.

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^{COSEER advisory agent}

Productive use of energy: a key to economic development 

To ensure that the infrastructure is viable, the project focuses on supporting the productive use of energy and on developing new income-generating activities in the villages. With ADA’s support, COSEER’s advisers help small rural business owners to choose and use efficient electrical equipment and advise them on financing options (loans from a microfinance institution, pay as you go, cash, etc.).

One outstanding example is the Toulé Kédé youth group, which acquired a mill with advice from COSEER. This mill has not only generated income from the processing of cereals but has also considerably improved the community's quality of life by making flour available locally.

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^{Toulé Kédé youth group}

“A key factor in the success of the EVER project is the establishment of a facilitating environment for  the productive use of energy, incorporating financial and non-financial solutions to enable business owners to access appropriate equipment and grow their businesses.”

Marina Abboud, head of the EVER programme.