The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an €8.51 million loan to Senegal for its “Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps” (PPLEEF). This groundbreaking initiative is the Bank’s first fully dedicated demand-side energy efficiency project, aimed at revolutionizing energy use in Senegal while setting a precedent for sustainable development across Africa.

Transforming Energy Use Across Senegal
The PPLEEF initiative will benefit nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses across the regions of Dakar, Thiès, and Diourbel. By replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting, the program promises:
- Substantial Energy Savings: A reduction of annual electricity consumption by over 189 GWh.
- Lower Electricity Costs: Households and small businesses will see tangible reductions in their energy bills.
- Carbon Emission Reductions: The shift to LED lighting will significantly reduce Senegal’s environmental footprint.
The program employs an innovative on-bill financing model, allowing participants to repay the cost of new lighting through savings on their monthly energy bills. This approach ensures that the benefits of energy efficiency are accessible and affordable for all.
A Model for Sustainable Development
Jalel Chabchoub, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer at the AfDB, highlighted the initiative’s broader implications:
“The PPLEEF is a milestone for Senegal’s national commitment to sustainable development and universal energy access. It reduces energy demand during peak hours and introduces a scalable financing approach for efficient appliances.”
This project is the first phase of Senegal’s general lighting program, paving the way for further advancements in energy efficiency across the nation and serving as a replicable model for other African countries.
Alleviating Pressure on the Power Grid
Mame Coumba Ndiaye, General Director of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME), emphasized the program’s impact:
“This project will reduce energy bills for households and small businesses while relieving the grid. The energy savings will be redirected to improve electricity availability and access for the population.”
Part of Africa’s Broader Energy Transition
The PPLEEF initiative aligns with the AfDB’s “Mission 300”, launched in partnership with the World Bank Group and other stakeholders, to close Africa’s energy access gap. From 2019 to 2024, the AfDB has committed approximately $6 billion to energy projects across the continent.
By reducing energy demand, delaying the need for costly power plant investments, and ensuring equitable access to energy, initiatives like the PPLEEF signal significant progress in Africa’s journey toward energy sustainability and equity.
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