The Manantali Energy Management Company (SOGEM) has issued a stark warning to Energie du Mali (EDM), highlighting outstanding payments exceeding a critical 54 billion CFA francs.
This significant debt, SOGEM argues, poses a serious threat to the long-term viability of the shared hydroelectric infrastructure managed by the member countries of the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS).
In a letter dated April 25, 2025, SOGEM’s Director General conveyed his profound concerns regarding EDM’s persistent failure to settle its bills. He emphasized that these payment delays are undermining the operational integrity of the jointly owned facilities, which are co-financed by the OMVS member states. He did not hesitate to label the situation a “matter of life or death” for the crucial regional energy infrastructure.
A persistent energy crisis grips Mali
Mali has been grappling with a deep-seated energy crisis for several years, characterized by frequent power outages and an increasing reliance on imported fossil fuels. In 2023, the country’s total energy production was projected to reach 2,838 GWh, with a breakdown of 54 percent thermal, 34 percent hydroelectric, and 3 percent solar. With a national electrification rate of just 56 percent, and a mere 31 percent in rural areas, access to a reliable electricity supply remains a significant impediment to development, particularly in the country’s more isolated regions.
Shared infrastructure under strain
Despite possessing significant dam infrastructure like Manantali (200 megawatts), Gouina (140 megawatts), and Felou (62 megawatts), Mali’s hydroelectric power generation consistently falls short of its potential. This underperformance is attributed to a combination of factors, including insufficient regular maintenance, recurring technical issues, and, critically, payment delays. Consequently, the limited output from these plants not only impacts Mali’s energy security but also affects its OMVS partners, Mauritania and Senegal, who rely on this shared infrastructure.
Seeking solutions through energy transition
Faced with this challenging energy landscape, Mali is actively exploring alternative energy sources. Solar energy is gradually emerging as a promising solution. A key project in this transition is the Sanankoroba solar power plant (200 megawatts), currently under development in collaboration with the Russian company NovaWind. This plant is ultimately expected to boost Mali’s overall electricity production capacity by a significant 10 percent.
At the grassroots level, local initiatives are also demonstrating this shift towards cleaner energy. For example, the installation of an 18 kW mini-solar power plant in the village of Karan is tangibly improving the daily lives of residents by providing them with a clean and dependable source of electricity.
EDM’s substantial debt to SOGEM underscores the deep-rooted structural weaknesses within Mali’s energy sector. To safeguard vital regional infrastructure and ensure a stable energy supply for the future, observers are urgently calling on the Malian government to honor its financial obligations to SOGEM and to accelerate its transition towards sustainable renewable energy sources.
MD/te/fss/abj/APA