The government of Mali has finalized the funding arrangements for the North 225 kV high-voltage loop project around Bamako (PBNB), securing a total investment of €166 million. This strategic infrastructure aims to reinforce the capital’s power supply backbone and extend coverage to surrounding peri-urban zones. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the initiative will connect an additional 10,000 households and small businesses while enhancing electricity reliability for nearly 40 industrial facilities.
project scope and infrastructure upgrades
The PBNB initiative involves constructing a 103 km double-circuit 225 kV transmission line linking key locations such as Kodialani, Kambila, Safo, and Dialakorobougou. In parallel, the project includes upgrading two existing substations and erecting three new transformer stations, notably in Safo and Kénié, to ensure efficient power distribution.
funding milestones and financial partnerships
In early July, Mali’s National Transitional Council (NTC) approved loan agreements signed on February 25, 2026, between the AfDB and the Malian government, marking a critical operational milestone. This ratification follows prior financial commitments, including a €68 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank in December 2025, a €43.7 million pledge from the West African Development Bank in May 2025, and an initial €45 million investment from the European Investment Bank in December 2020.
The AfDB’s €57.7 million contribution is structured through multiple financial instruments: a €30.8 million concessional loan from the African Development Fund, a €16.6 million loan from the Transition Support Facility, a €4.4 million climate investment loan, a €5.9 million climate grant, and an additional €1.9 million green climate fund grant. These resources collectively cover 36.13% of the project’s total cost, with the Malian government contributing 3.6% through co-financing.
long-term energy resilience benefits
Once operational, the PBNB will not only stabilize Bamako’s power grid but also create a foundation for future energy integration projects. These include the Guinea-Mali interconnection, the upgraded Manantali 2 transmission line, and planned solar farms in Kambila and Safo, as outlined by the AfDB. The infrastructure upgrades will significantly bolster Mali’s energy security and support sustainable industrial growth across the region.
