WAPP to get EIB technical aid

11 December 2009

The West African Power Pool (WAPP) will receive European Investment Bank (EIB) technical assistance for its integrated regional electricity project.

With €935,000 (£846,000) from the EU-Africa infrastructure fund, the programme will receive help in capacity building, coordinating the implementation stages, providing supply and demand forecasts and ensuring the stability of the network.

Signed today (December 11th) in Luxembourg, the grant is said to recognise the "crucial role of the power sector in ensuring economic development" and according to the EIB, strengthens the bank's role as a key player in West African energy.

Plutarchos Sakellaris, EIB vice-president for sub-Saharan Africa, expressed enthusiasm on behalf of the organisation, stating: "The European Investment Bank ... looks forward to working with the West African Power Pool to make this a reality and enable access to affordable energy for all."

The EIB stated its main objective is to contribute to private sector development through support for private investments and for infrastructure projects to help this sector flourish.

Category: Energy