By: Energy capital & power

The MSGBC region is advancing a coordinated push toward regional power integration, with several high-voltage transmission and cross-border electricity trade initiatives underway. Backed by multilateral lenders and regional cooperation frameworks, these projects aim to enhance energy security, reduce generation costs and build a unified electricity market across West Africa.

Regional power initiatives will take center stage at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference, set to take place in Dakar from December 9-10 under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergies for Inclusive Economic Development. As the region advances its vision of a unified electricity market, the conference and exhibition offers a critical platform for showcasing projects, forging partnerships and driving new infrastructure commitments.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your spot at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. For sponsorship or delegate participation, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The OMVG Interconnection Project

Last June, a consortium of French, German and Austrian contractors including Vinci Construction Grands Project, Vinci Construction Terrassement, Andritz Hydro Germany and Andritz Hydro Austria, announced work is set to resume at Senegal’s Sambangalou hydroelectric power plant. A key component of the OMVG Interconnection Project linking Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry, the 128 MW hydroelectric power plant is expected to be completed by 2027. Serving as the backbone of regional power trade across the MSGBC Basin, the OMVG Interconnection project comprises a 1,677-km, 225 kV double-circuit transmission loop designed to unlock electricity exchange at scale. The project features 15 substations strategically positioned across the network and integrates major generation assets including the 240 MW Kaléta facility in Guinea-Conakry as well as the 128 MW Sambangalou hydroelectric power plant.

To address its ongoing power crisis, the Guinean government announced in May 2024 it will import 120 MW of electricity from Senegal via the OMVG Interconnection Project. Following initial pre trials from the Linsan site near Conakry, households in the capital are set to receive electricity through the regional network. Backed by $722 million in financing from a coalition of development partners – including the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement and others – the project enables a total trade capacity of up to 800 MW. Beyond transmission, the network includes fiber optic infrastructure to support real-time grid management and communication, as well as environmental safeguards that have informed route selection and substation placement.

New Transmission Corridors

Beyond the OMVG Interconnection project, countries across the MSGBC basin are exploring new avenues for expanding cross-border transmission networks. In 2024, the AfDB approved $302.9 million to support the development of a 1,500 km, 225 kV high-voltage interconnection between Mauritania and Mali. The project – part of a broader $888 million initiative – will integrate solar power plants and extend medium- and low-voltage distribution networks across both countries. The investment builds on earlier milestones, including the completion of a 228 km, 225 kV line between Kayes in Mali and Tambacounda in Senegal, improving energy access for over 400,000 people.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s utility Senelec recently signed a €200 million contract to build 1,350 km of high-voltage and very high-voltage lines, along with eight transformer stations, as part of its plan to reach universal access by 2025. The project is set to employ over 1,000 people during its implementation phase and will include advanced remote monitoring systems and local workforce training. During this year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference, insights into the impact these projects will play on the regional power market will be shared. Speakers will explore new pathways for enhancing regional connectivity through power infrastructure, supporting new investments across the sector.