THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Berlin, Germany – In a significant step toward advancing renewable energy and sustainable development in Africa, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and German engineering firm GAUFF GmbH & Co. Engineering KG will sign a landmark contract for an off-grid electrification project on March 19, 2025. The signing ceremony, which will hold during the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2025, marks a major milestone in the growing collaboration between Germany and African nations in the renewable energy sector.
The €150 million project aims to provide reliable, off-grid electricity to 400 rural communities in Côte d’Ivoire using customized photovoltaic (PV) microgrids with capacities ranging from 15 kWp to 60 kWp. Over a 48-month implementation period, the initiative will bring clean, sustainable energy to thousands of households, schools, and healthcare facilities, significantly improving quality of life and economic opportunities in underserved areas.
A Transformative Partnership
The contract will be signed by Ehouman Kalifa, Director General of Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Côte d’Ivoire, and Romain Charlot, Director for Francophone Africa at GAUFF GmbH & Co. Engineering KG. The ceremony will take place at the Willy-Brandt-Saal in the German Federal Foreign Office, underscoring the diplomatic and economic importance of the partnership.
GAUFF, a leading German engineering company with extensive experience in Africa, has been at the forefront of renewable energy projects on the continent. The company’s expertise in designing and implementing off-grid solar solutions aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitious goals to expand energy access and transition to sustainable energy sources. Currently, only about 70% of the Ivorian population has access to electricity, with rural areas lagging significantly behind urban centers. This project is a critical step toward closing this gap and achieving the country’s target of universal electrification by 2030.
Renewable Energy: A Growing Focus in German-African Trade
The partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and GAUFF is emblematic of the broader trend of German companies investing in renewable energy projects across Africa. Germany, a global leader in the energy transition, has been actively supporting African nations in their efforts to harness solar, wind, and hydropower to meet growing energy demands while reducing carbon emissions.
In recent years, German firms have been involved in several high-profile renewable energy projects in Africa, including the construction of solar farms in Namibia, wind energy projects in Kenya, and hydropower plants in Ethiopia. These initiatives are often supported by German development agencies such as the German Development Bank (KfW) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which provide funding and technical expertise.
The Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, where the signing ceremony will take place, is a key platform for fostering international cooperation on renewable energy. The annual event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from around the world to discuss strategies for accelerating the global energy transition.
A Model for Sustainable Development
The off-grid electrification project in Côte d’Ivoire is not just about providing electricity; it is a model for sustainable development. By leveraging solar energy, the project will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create local jobs in installation, maintenance, and operation. Additionally, access to reliable electricity will enable communities to improve education, healthcare, and economic productivity, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This project is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges,” said Romain Charlot of GAUFF. “By combining our technical expertise with the vision of the Ivorian government, we can create a lasting impact that goes beyond energy access.”
Looking Ahead
The signing ceremony will also provide an opportunity for journalists and stakeholders to engage with the key players behind the project. Interviews with Ehouman Kalifa and Romain Charlot can be arranged in advance, offering insights into the project’s goals, challenges, and potential for replication in other African countries.
As the world continues to grapple with the dual challenges of climate change and energy poverty, partnerships like this one between Côte d’Ivoire and GAUFF offer a blueprint for a sustainable future. By harnessing the power of renewable energy, Germany and Africa are not only strengthening their economic ties but also paving the way for a brighter, more equitable world.
