In a bid to alleviate power shortages plaguing its neighbor, Niger has inked a monumental deal with Mali, promising to supply 150 million liters of diesel at reduced rates. The agreement, signed on Tuesday, marks a significant step in addressing Mali’s energy woes, particularly the recurrent power outages that have plagued the nation.
The beneficiary of this deal is Énergie du Mali (EDM-SA), Mali’s national energy company, which has long grappled with financial constraints and infrastructural challenges, impeding its ability to deliver consistent electricity to urban areas and rural communities alike.
Under the terms of the pact, Mali will procure diesel from Niger at a substantially discounted rate, nearly halving its usual expenditure on fuel. This concession comes as a lifeline for Mali, offering hope for improved energy access and enhanced service delivery, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and industry.
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The accord was brokered between Mali’s junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, and Niger’s oil minister, Mahaman Moustapha Barke, underscoring a collaborative effort between the two nations to address shared challenges and foster regional cooperation.
Niger’s role as a key energy supplier in the region has been reinforced by recent developments, including the inauguration of a pipeline designed to transport crude oil to Benin, and a memorandum of understanding to supply diesel to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad – all members of the Alliance of Sahel States.
With plans to ramp up oil production to 110,000 barrels per day, Niger is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in meeting the energy needs of its neighbors while bolstering economic ties and regional stability.
As Mali embarks on a journey towards energy resilience, the collaboration with Niger signifies a promising step forward, offering a glimpse of hope amid persistent challenges.
