The Beninese government is considering the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) dedicated to solar energy. The project is intended to host industries processing raw materials, and aims to promote the development of economic activities.
According to the minutes of the Council of Ministers meeting of 15 January 2020, the Special Economic Zone will be built in the municipality of Tori-Bossito in the Atlantic department and covers an area of 1200 ha. In addition, it is located a short distance from the Glo-Djigbé-Zè Industrial Zone (GDIZ) and Glo-Djigbé airport and will house a solar energy park.
In a press release dated 6 February 2023, the prefect of the Atlantic department indicated that the work would start soon. This is why the prefectural authority invites those affected by the perimeter of the solar energy SEZ to consult the lists within the framework of the procedure for expropriation for public utility.
Moreover, according to the World Bank, Benin has an electrification rate of 43.1% and a production covering only half of the needs. The country then decided to open the energy market to the private sector in order to improve access to quality and affordable energy for all populations.
To this end, several initiatives have been taken, including the revision in 2020 of the law on the electricity sector and the establishment of the Electricity Regulation Authority (ERA). We also note the implementation of projects under the aegis of development partners such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the European Union, etc. and the creation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Tori-Bossito dedicated to solar energy.
