Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have finalized a pre-investment study for a landmark cross-border electricity transmission project. The initiative, estimated to cost $154.4 million, will involve the construction of a 330kV double-circuit transmission line spanning approximately 243 kilometres, equally divided between the two nations. This development is set to significantly enhance power exchanges not just between the two countries but across the broader West African region.
The study for this ambitious project was carried out by the Italian consulting firm Studio Tranili, under the coordination of the ECOWAS West African Power Pool (WAPP) Secretariat. It involved extensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including CI-Energies (the national electricity utility of Côte d’Ivoire), the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition of Ghana.
Experts from Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and their Ivorian counterparts played key roles in shaping the technical and institutional framework needed to push the project forward. The goal is clear: to boost electricity trade and cooperation in West Africa by creating reliable infrastructure that transcends national borders.
Technical Scope of the Transmission Line
The project will see the construction of a 330kV double-circuit transmission line covering approximately 243 kilometers, with about 122 kilometers lying within each country. The line will link the existing Bingerville (Bijave) substation in Côte d’Ivoire to the future Dunkwa 2 substation in Ghana.
This is a crucial upgrade, while Ghana currently has a Dunkwa 1 substation, it operates at only 161kV. The new Dunkwa 2 station will be built to accommodate the higher 330kV voltage level, aligning with the regional power transmission standards.
This infrastructure will enable both countries to enhance electricity reliability, reduce energy losses, and unlock economic benefits through the integration of renewable and conventional energy sources.
Financial and Environmental Viability
The total cost of the project is $154.4 million, which includes not only the engineering and construction aspects but also:
- Environmental and social impact management
- Construction supervision
- Project management and monitoring
According to the findings of the study, the project is both technically and financially viable. More importantly, it has been designed to have a controlled environmental footprint, ensuring that energy development does not come at the expense of communities or ecosystems.
The inclusion of environmental and social safeguards is in line with best practices for large-scale infrastructure projects. These measures will be essential for obtaining funding from international financial institutions, such as the African Development Bank or the World Bank, which typically require strong environmental due diligence.
Institutional Framework for Project Implementation
To ensure timely and cost-effective implementation, a robust institutional structure has been proposed. This includes:
- An Interstate Committee of Ministers responsible for overarching political and policy direction
- A Technical Steering Committee made up of experts from both countries’ utilities
- Project Implementation Units (PIUs) within each country to handle daily coordination and execution
These entities will work together to align national interests, troubleshoot operational challenges, and ensure adherence to project timelines and budgets.
Legal and Governance Mechanisms
To formalize cooperation, several legal documents have been prepared and are now pending final signatures:
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Interstate Committee – to be signed by the ministers in charge of energy from both nations.
- Framework Agreement for the Technical Steering Committee, to be endorsed by the CEOs of CI-Energies and GRIDCo.
- Procurement Arrangement Framework – ensuring synchronized procurement procedures, also to be signed by the CEOs of the respective utilities.
Also read: Kenya Tops Africa’s Electricity Regulatory Index What It Means for the Future of Energy in Africa
These documents serve as the backbone of governance, ensuring clarity in responsibilities, timelines, and dispute resolution mechanisms. With these legal instruments in place, the project can attract international support and mitigate implementation risks.
Strategic Importance for West Africa
This transmission line is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s a critical piece in the larger vision of a West African Power Pool (WAPP), a networked regional grid enabling electricity exchange among 14 ECOWAS member states.
Power reliability varies widely across the region. While Côte d’Ivoire is often a net exporter of electricity, countries like Ghana have faced intermittent shortages. A high-voltage cross-border line will help balance loads, improve resilience to shocks, and pave the way for greater integration of renewable energy sources like solar and hydro.
The line will contribute to meeting Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030.
The successful implementation of this project will send a strong signal to the investment community that regional energy integration in Africa is not just an aspiration but a reality in progress. It also sets a precedent for other bilateral and multilateral energy collaborations across the continent.
Also read: 220 MW Solar Projects Set to Power a Greener South Africa’s Industrial Future
If executed on schedule and within budget, the project could be operational in the next few years, bringing cleaner, more reliable power to millions, boosting industrial growth, and supporting climate resilience.
With detailed studies now completed, political backing secured, and a clear implementation roadmap in place, the stage is set for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to illuminate a new path for energy cooperation in West Africa.
