Burkina Faso Advances Sustainable Development With 50 MWp Solar Power Plant Agreement Using its own local raw materials and hiring its own citizens! President Traore Leads with Honor!
During a significant event in January 2024, Brigadier General Kassoum COULIBALY, who serves as the Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans, led the official inauguration of the Zano photovoltaic solar power plant in the Boulgou province, Center-East region. With a peak solar capacity of 24 Megawatts, this advanced facility is poised to supply 38 GWh of clean electricity each year to the interconnected network of the Burkinabè National Electricity Company (SONABEL). However, this marked only the starting point for further developments!
With its abundant renewable energy resources, the Sahel has the potential to lead an industrial revolution driven by investments in renewable energy that extend beyond local consumption. By developing and utilizing green value chains to alleviate poverty and generate employment, the region could pave the way for a sustainable future. This proactive approach could also help address the migrant crisis currently affecting Europe. African youth are closely observing the Sahelian countries that have recognized the challenges hindering African self-sufficiency, attributing poverty to deliberate actions. The solution lies in embracing green energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and providing education that empowers citizens to work for their own benefit rather than for foreign interests.
In the Sahel region, energy demand has been increasing by more than 4% annually over the last ten years, driven in part by population growth and expanding economic activities. While there has been a rise in electricity access in urban areas, rural areas have historically lacked access due to the high cost of power generation in the region. The World Bank estimates that around 30% of Burkina Faso's land is suitable for farming. Despite having abundant arable land, Burkina Faso is not self-sufficient in agriculture. The majority of Burkina Faso's workforce is engaged in agriculture, but prior to President Traore, the focus was more on exporting food rather than enhancing domestic production and agricultural capabilities through technology and sustainable farming practices. This shift could potentially support economic growth for farmers and local industries.
"Burkina Faso is attempting to improve the economy by developing its mineral resources, improving its infrastructure, making its agricultural and livestock sectors more productive and competitive, and stabilizing the supplies and prices of cereals".
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