18 November 2021: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Business Council of Renewable Energies of Senegal (COPERES) and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE). The MoU sets out the shared goals of the two organisations to address the existing obstacles which hinder the optimal use of the various renewable energies for electrification and the potential for energy efficiency in Senegal. Both organisations agreed to promote social and economic development by increasing the share of renewable energies in the energy mix in West Africa and particularly Senegal.
The associations will work together on a number of activities, including joint advocacy for renewable energy policies in Senegal to create a conducive market environment for decentralised renewable energy (DRE) actors, accompanying and contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve renewable energy targets as well as targeted business development and market intelligence support for DRE companies.
In this regard, the associations aim to develop the capacity of renewable energy stakeholders in Senegal to create local jobs and secure more financing for renewable energy projects and businesses. This will, for example, be achieved by spearheading “DRE Investment Academies” or similar trainings for Senegalese and international DRE developers and other stakeholders, with the aim to attract additional fundraising and technical support.
Finally, the MoU states that the partners will offer business development services for renewable energy actors working in Senegal, to address electrification, energy security and climate change challenges, as well as conduct applied research to foster the market for renewable energy technologies.
David Lecoque, CEO of ARE said: “This MoU exemplifies ARE’s ambition to work in tandem with national counterparts to boost renewable electrification at the country level. The cooperation with COPERES empowers efforts to drive and expand clean and affordable electrification across rural Senegal”.
Karim NDIAYE, President of COPERES said: “COPERES is very pleased with this partnership, which fits well with our missions. We need a strong and innovative private sector in renewable energy. We look forward to a fruitful cooperation with ARE”.
