Benin/Implementation of the second compact: The Mca-Benin ll takes stock

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the second program of Benin for the Millennium Challenge Account, the national coordination organized an exchange session with the press yesterday, Wednesday, June 22, 2022. It was at the headquarters of Mca-Benin ll in Cotonou.

It was in a friendly atmosphere that the exchange session between the national coordination of Mca-Benin and media professionals of Benin took place. Entered into force on June 22, 2017, the Mca-Benin ll closes 5 years of existence. The balance sheet was imposed and it emerges from the presentations made by the National Coordinator of Mca-Benin ll, Gabriel Dégbègni and the Resident Director of Mcc in Benin Christopher Broughton, that the objective of the United States government through itsThe objective of the United States government through its international development agency, MCC, is to reduce poverty and boost economic growth in countries eligible for MCC funds. Thus, to strengthen the electric power sector in Benin, the U.S. government and the Government of Benin signed a grant agreement, with the mobilization of a grant of 37 million dollars, equivalent to 215 billion CFA francs. However, due to the pandemic, the United States mobilized an additional $16 million, bringing the total grant amount to CFAF 225 billion. The Government of Benin contributed $30 million, equivalent to CFAF 17.5 billion. Due to the pandemic, Benin was granted a one-year extension for the implementation of the program.

Achievements

The U.S. grant has contributed to energy sector reform in Benin, according to the presenters, through The presenters said the U.S. grant has contributed to the reform of the energy sector in Benin through the strengthening of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, the establishment of delegated management of the Beninese Electricity Company, and the creation of a new energy company.of the Société béninoise d'énergie électrique (Sbee), the financial equilibrium of the electric energy system, the establishment of thelectrical energy system, the establishment of an environment conducive to the independent production of electrical energy, and rural electrification. It also implemented norms and standards for air conditioners and lamps on the market, electrical audits of industrial units and state structures to reduce their consumption of electrical energy. This grant has increased the capacity of Benin's electricity network fivefold in five years through the construction of 100km of new electricity transmission and distribution lines in the cities of Cotonou, Parakou, Djougou and Natitingou. 777km of lines have been reinforced in the departments of Atacora, Donga, Borgou and the hills. The construction or rehabilitation of 18 electrical substations, including the most important in the country, is also reported. Seven stations have already been completed and the rest will be put into service in the coming months. The construction of the national center for remote control of the electrical distribution network, capable of remotely controlling the 20 most important electrical substations in the country, is a reality.

The U.S. grant has also helped attract private investment to Benin to support solar energy, including a framework for private investors in the production of electricity.s, in the production of electricity was adopted by the government in 2019, with the signing of agreements for the production of 50 megawatts of electrical energy. At the end of the process, the energy produced by the four photovoltaic power plants will cover between 30 and 35% of the daily demand for electricity at the national level at a reduced cost. The Government of Benin has adopted a national strategy policy for off-grid electrification in 2019.

The equipment is built in compliance with environmental, social and health standards.

Thanks to the second compact, more than 85,000 Beninese have access to electrical energy for the first time, based on solar energy.

Challenges

The challenges reported concern supply fields and input costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine. There is also the challenge of periodic maintenance of equipment by the Sbee, for the sustainability of investments.

Source: matinlibre.com