Electricity Expansion Powers New Opportunities and Safer Communities

Benin is rapidly expanding electricity access, transforming daily life by connecting homes, businesses and public spaces across the country.

“The benefits of electricity are undeniable,” said Juliet Sokou, a food business owner now able to work beyond daylight hours.

Since 2016, national electrification efforts have connected nearly 145,000 households, 2,789 small businesses and 451 public institutions, supported by the installation of 150,000 meters and 20,000 streetlights. Backed by $183 million in infrastructure investment, the programme includes over 5,600 km of power lines and subsidises 80% of connection costs, while new access has enabled job creation, including a factory employing 300 workers producing 500,000 solar school bags annually, and improved safety in communities where street lighting has significantly reduced crime.