50MWp Kong Solaire project to help attain Côte d’Ivoire’s 45% renewable energy target by 2030
10th October 2025, Kong, Côte d’Ivoire: Dignitaries came together yesterday to mark the official launch of the 50MWp Kong Solaire project in the Tchologo region of Côte d’Ivoire. Kong Solaire has been co-developed by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), through its project development solution, InfraCo, and Ivorian developer Africa Via, with Axian Energy joining the consortium earlier this year.
The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the Directorate General of Energy, the Ministry of Finance and Budget and Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-Energies), as well as project stakeholders and members of the local community.
Speaking at the event, Abdelali Halhal, PIDG Regional Business Development Lead for West and Central Africa, said, “It is an honour to…celebrate the launch of Kong Solaire…I would like to acknowledge and thank the Ivorian Government, the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the Directorate General of Energy, and CI-Energies. Their leadership and vision make possible the realisation of large-scale projects that support the country’s energy transition. This project, developed in partnership with Africa Via, Axian Energy, and the Ivorian State, illustrates what we can achieve together: delivering clean and competitive energy, strengthening national energy security, and contributing to the government’s ambitious target of reaching 45% renewable energy by 2030.”
Africa Via’s CEO, Mr Minkaïla Salami, added, “We are delighted to co-develop this project with PIDG, with whom we share common ambitions to realise the implementation of projects that enable the sustainable development of Pan-African economies and directly benefit the most vulnerable populations.”
Benjamin Memmi, CEO of Axian Energy, said, “We are proud to bring this landmark project to life for Côte d’Ivoire’s energy landscape together with our partners PIDG and Africa Via. Kong Solaire is a pioneering initiative that contributes to a sovereign and resilient energy transition in Africa. We see this as a first of many high-impact projects, and we are committed to continuing to invest in renewable energy to support Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition for a balanced and sustainable energy mix.”
Delivered under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the 50MWp plant will meet the electricity needs of up to 240,000 people. As one of the country’s first solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Kong Solaire will also develop replicable documentation and financial frameworks designed to attract new investors and accelerate Côte d’Ivoire’s wider energy transition.
Mr Halhal concluded, “The Kong Solar Park is not just a 50 MWp power plant: it is a symbol of progress, partnership, and a brighter future for Côte d’Ivoire.”
Notes to editors:
Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG): PIDG is an innovative infrastructure project developer and investor which mobilises private investment in sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and south and southeast Asia. PIDG investments promote socio-economic development within a just transition to net zero emissions, combat poverty and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PIDG delivers its ambition in line with its values of pioneering, partnership, safety, inclusivity, and urgency. PIDG offers technical assistance for upstream, early-stage activities and concessional capital; invests in early-stage project development and project and corporate equity through its project development solution, InfraCo; its debt solution EAAIF (the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund) is one of the first and more successful blended debt funds in low-income markets; and its guarantees solution, GuarantCo, provides credit enhancement and local currency solutions to de-risk projects. PIDG also supports a growing portfolio of local credit enhancement facilities, which unlock domestic institutional capital for infrastructure financing. Since 2002, PIDG has supported 258 infrastructure projects to financial close, which provided an estimated 232 million people with access to new or improved infrastructure. PIDG is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia and Sweden, and Global Affairs Canada. www.pidg.org
Africa Via: Africa Via is an Ivorian company and the main sponsor of Kong Solaire SAS. The company was founded in 2013 and is fully owned by the Salami Family. Developing projects in several sectors, Africa Via launched its renewable energy activities in 2018. The company leverages its professional skills to develop and implement photovoltaic and hydroelectric projects. It is part of an "Economic Interest Grouping" that includes ATIS Industries and Ocean Solution Energie, which are involved in studies, advisory services for power infrastructure, and engineering in various economic sectors such as agriculture, water, mining, energy, and environment. Africa Via also benefits from the expertise of its foreign partners to enhance its knowledge and experience in project management and development in renewable energy production.
Axian Energy: The Energy division of the AXIAN Group, AXIAN Energy is a pan-African developer of large-scale renewable energy projects. Its dual mission is to foster innovation in renewable energy and to promote energy inclusion across the African continent. AXIAN Energy operates in 9 African countries through its subsidiaries: NEA – WeLight – CGHV – JOVENA – EYDON. The company has a renewable capacity portfolio of 183 MW, a pipeline of 800 MW, and is targeting +1 GW of installed renewable capacity by 2030. With extensive experience, a talented team of +800 employees, and a strong presence across Africa, AXIAN Energy is a trusted partner for the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. www.axian-energy.com
For media enquiries please contact:
Lorna McNae, Senior Communications Manager, PIDG