{"id":36236,"date":"2026-07-20T10:53:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T08:53:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geres.eu\/?post_type=project&p=36236"},"modified":"2026-07-20T11:26:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T09:26:18","slug":"sustainable-energy-access-for-all-mali-phase-2","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.geres.eu\/en\/our-actions\/our-projects\/sustainable-energy-access-for-all-mali-phase-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Access to Sustainable Energy for All in Mali, Phase 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The concept of the Green Business Area (GBA) is an innovative model for economic development zones and a catalyst for rural businesses, based in particular on access to energy services. Geres has been developing this concept in Mali since 2014 through two pilot GBAs funded by Agence Fran\u00e7aise de D\u00e9veloppement, followed by a project involving six GBAs implemented with financial support from Sweden in Mali through its agency, Sida. A second phase, part of a vision to scale up the GBA model, began in 2022 with funding from ASDI and was able to continue thanks to financial support from the European Union Delegation in Bamako. By 2027, 16 GBAs will be operational in Mali.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Context and issues<\/h2>\n

Like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Mali faces significant energy challenges<\/strong>, both in terms of access and the quality of that access. Among the key characteristics of Mali\u2019s energy sector, we note that electrification rates remain very low, especially in rural areas (estimated at less than 20% in rural areas compared to 55% in urban centers).<\/p>\n

In rural areas, local energy service providers operate in remote rural areas<\/strong> through public-private partnerships with national agencies. The promotion of decentralized energy solutions based on renewable energy aims to address the multiple challenges of electricity access in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Renewable energy<\/strong> offers an opportunity to rethink electrification models at the local level, based on the resources and needs of a given region. With its high solar radiation potential<\/strong>, Mali is an ideal location for promoting renewable energy innovations such as photovoltaic power.<\/p>\n

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Learn more about Phase 1 of the \u201cAccess to Sustainable Energy for All in Mali\u201d project<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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challenges<\/h2>\n

The development of rural areas cannot take place without sufficient and high-quality access to energy<\/strong>\u2014and in particular, electricity\u2014to support entrepreneurial activities, the creation of added value, and job creation. To this end, solutions tailored to their specific needs must be considered.<\/p>\n

Energy-producing users, particularly entrepreneurs, have an important role to play in supporting the economic development of rural areas.<\/strong> However, they must also be supported in their development so that the benefits of access to electricity<\/strong> translate into added-value creation, job creation, and improved living conditions for local populations. Other barriers to their development\u2014such as financing, training, and market access\u2014must also be addressed during both the launch and growth phases.<\/p>\n

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Goals and Solutions<\/span><\/h2>\n

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The AEDTT Phase 2 project aims to contribute to the stability<\/strong> and local economic development of rural areas<\/strong> in Mali (the regions of Koulikoro, Dio\u00efla, Bougouni, Kita, Koutiala, S\u00e9gou, and San) by supporting the deployment of sustainable solutions for access to renewable energy<\/strong> through a territorial approach, including the promotion of low-carbon initiatives<\/strong> and capacity building<\/strong> for local stakeholders and professional sectors.<\/p>\n

It builds on previous efforts and is strengthened by lessons learned from past and ongoing experiences through the deployment of three new renewable energy zones (GBAs) and support for the five GBA constructed at the start of the AEDTT2 project (prior to ASDI\u2019s withdrawal from Mali).<\/p>\n

It is organized around four main components<\/strong>:<\/p>\n