Corridor Vert OMVS 2040
Integrated Energy Development Portfolio for the Basin / Upper Basin (PIDE / PIDEH), led by OMVS, SOGEM and SOGEOH.
Context and rationale
With this initiative, OMVS aims to mobilise a total investment estimated at between €1.5bn and €2bn in order to develop an integrated portfolio of structuring energy infrastructure comprising additional hydropower capacity, a complementary 800 MW solar programme and around 600 km of 225 kV interconnection lines.
By 2040, the programme is expected to durably improve access to energy for more than 15 million people across the OMVS area and West Africa, while strengthening regional energy security and the transition to clean, competitive power.
The Upper Basin region faces significant energy challenges marked by a shortfall in generation and in access to electricity, against a backdrop of strong population growth and rapid urbanisation. The situation is compounded by persistent reliance on thermal plants, heavily exposed to fossil fuel price volatility, driving up the cost of electricity for households, businesses and national economies.
Climate change is also increasing the vulnerability of energy infrastructure and reinforcing the need for more sustainable, resilient and low-carbon systems.
The region nevertheless has major strategic opportunities. The Upper Basin holds substantial hydropower potential that remains largely untapped, complemented by prospects for renewable energy development and regional interconnection networks.
The energy integration driven by OMVS and WAPP encourages the pooling of resources, strengthens energy security and supports the development of a more competitive regional electricity market.
Hydropower capacity already installed — OMVS historical base (1982–2022)
| Facility | Installed capacity | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|
| Manantali | 200 MW | 2002 |
| Félou | 60 MW | 2014 |
| Gouina | 140 MW | 2022 |
| Current OMVS total | ≈ 400 MW | 1982–2022 |
Strategic vision
The Corridor Vert OMVS 2040 programme aims to build an integrated portfolio of structuring energy infrastructure designed to durably strengthen the energy security of the member states, support regional integration and underpin the economic transformation of the OMVS area and of West Africa. Through a coordinated, multi-sector approach, the initiative seeks to accelerate industrialisation, improve access to reliable and competitive energy, and support the transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient development model.
Strategic priorities
Developing the Basin's hydropower potential as the foundation of sustainable energy generation.
Strengthening transmission networks and regional interconnections to facilitate electricity trade.
Progressively integrating complementary renewable energy, notably solar.
Improving access to energy for communities and productive areas.
Community-based territorial development around energy infrastructure.
Strengthening institutional, technical and operational capacity.
Corridor Vert OMVS 2040 also includes a substantial component devoted to climate resilience and to the environmental and social sustainability of investments, with support measures for affected communities (resettlement, livelihood restoration, socio-economic inclusion).
Portfolio components
Dams and hydropower plants — Horizon 2040
Hydropower capacity targeted by 2040 for the structuring projects of the Upper Basin in Guinea.
| Project | Installed capacity | Annual output | Reservoir | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koukoutamba | 294 MW | ≈ 888 GWh/year | ≈ 4.3 bn m³ | Guinea |
| Boureya | 114 MW | ≈ 733 GWh/year | ≈ 6.14 bn m³ | Guinea |
| Niagara | 47 MW | ≈ 205 GWh/year | ≈ 1.2775 bn m³ | Guinea |
| Total | ≈ 455 MW | ≈ 1,826 GWh/year | ≈ 11.7 bn m³ | — |
Complementary solar plants — 800 MW
| Plant | Capacity | Hybridisation | Valley |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koukoutamba | 250 MW | Hydro-solar | Upper valley |
| Boureya | 100 MW | Hydro-solar | Upper valley |
| Niagara | 50 MW | Hydro-solar | Upper valley |
| Manantali | 200 MW | Hydro-solar | Middle valley |
| Gouina | 150 MW | — | Middle valley |
| Félou | 50 MW | — | Middle valley |
| Solar total | 800 MW | — | — |
Transmission grid and interconnections
| Component | Length |
|---|---|
| Existing OMVS network (RIMA) | ≈ 1,900 km |
| Network under construction | ≈ 796 km |
| New offensive (Horizon 2030) | ≈ 600 km (400 km + 200 km) |
| Total potential regional network | ≈ 3,300 km |
- —225 kV double-circuit line Koukoutamba – Manantali (≈ 300 km)
- —Reinforcement of existing OMVS network lines
Governance
Governance of the Integrated Energy Development Portfolio for the Upper Basin (PIDEH) rests on an integrated institutional architecture bringing together the OMVS bodies, the member states, specialised technical structures and technical and financial partners.
Institutional value chain
Technical and financial partners
Multilateral banks, bilateral donors, climate funds → signature of concessional financing.
Member states
Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal → national energy policies and direction; signatories of concessional financing.
OMVS High Commission
Strategic steering and regional coordination; coherence, integration and resource mobilisation; portfolio oversight.
SOGEOH / SOGEM
Development, financing, construction and operation of the facilities; signature of BOT/BOOT contracts with private investors.
Private investors / developers
Signature of BOT/BOOT contracts; on-lending of concessional financing.
Member state utilities
Purchase of electricity under PPA contracts.
Regional market players (WAPP)
IPPs, traders, heavy industry → purchase of electricity under PPA contracts.
Financial structuring
The financing model of the Corridor Vert OMVS 2040 programme rests on a hybrid approach combining concessional finance, public investment, public-private partnerships (PPP), climate finance and private investment, so as to secure the economic viability and durability of the regional energy infrastructure.
Funding requirements — Upper Basin phase (€1,941.5m)
Basis: Technical studies from 2011-2013 & 2019
- Dam729.3 M€ · 37.6%
- Solar PV plant722.5 M€ · 37.2%
- Hydropower plant260.1 M€ · 13.4%
- Transmission network120.9 M€ · 6.2%
- Social resettlement57.6 M€ · 3%
- Institutional support36.8 M€ · 1.9%
- Climate resilience9.2 M€ · 0.5%
- Studies5.2 M€ · 0.3%
| Component | Amount (€m) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Dam | 729.3 | 37.6% |
| Solar PV plant | 722.5 | 37.2% |
| Hydropower plant | 260.1 | 13.4% |
| Transmission network | 120.9 | 6.2% |
| Social resettlement | 57.6 | 3% |
| Institutional support | 36.8 | 1.9% |
| Climate resilience | 9.2 | 0.5% |
| Studies | 5.2 | 0.3% |
| Total | 1,941.5 | 100% |
Priority 1 — Upper Basin initial phase
The initial phase of the Corridor Vert OMVS 2040 programme targets a set of immediately structuring investments for the Upper Basin – Manantali corridor, allowing operational delivery of the portfolio to begin and laying the technical foundations of regional energy integration.
- Updating the ESIA, RAP, detailed design and other required technical studies.
- 225 kV Koukoutamba – Manantali line.
- Extension of the Manantali substation.
- Construction of a new substation at Koukoutamba (Loukoudein).
- Construction of a 200 MW solar plant at Manantali (Mali), hybridised with the existing hydropower plant.
- Studies and construction of a 100 MW solar plant at Loukoudein, pre-hybridised with the Koukoutamba hydropower plant.
Roadmap 2026-2040
Financing mobilisation strategy — PIDEH, Corridor Vert OMVS 2040. Indicative 36-month schedule combining concessional finance and BOT/BOOT structures.
- Phase 010–6 months
Preparation & structuring
Jalon : Bankable projectActions clés
- —Finalise feasibility studies
- —ESIA + RAP (international standards)
- —Legal & institutional framework
- —Project Brief
Livrables
- —Concept note approved
- —ESIAs approved
- —Project Brief finalised
- Phase 026–12 months
Donor engagement
Jalon : Partner alignmentActions clés
- —Identify the lead financier
- —Bilateral donor meetings
- —Climate fund submissions (GCF…)
- —Secure EOIs & pre-commitments
Livrables
- —EOIs received
- —Donor pre-commitments
- —Lead financier appointed
- Phase 0312–18 months
Financial structuring
Jalon : Structure finalisedActions clés
- —Detailed financial structuring
- —BOT/BOOT model for hydro & solar
- —Investor pre-qualification
- —Guarantees: MIGA, PRG…
Livrables
- —Final financial model
- —Consolidated term sheets
- —Investor shortlist
- Phase 0418–24 months
Mobilisation & signatures
Jalon : Financial CloseActions clés
- —Final negotiation of agreements
- —Signature of donor conventions
- —BOT/BOOT & PPA contracts
- —Guarantees wrapped up
Livrables
- —Agreements signed
- —BOT/BOOT & PPA contracts
- —Financial Close reached
- Phase 0524–36 months
Delivery
Actions clés
- —Dam works start
- —225 kV line & substations
- —Solar plants (IPP/BOOT)
- —SOGEOH coordination
Livrables
- —Works under way
- —Early solar generation
- —SOGEOH coordination
Impacts and benefits
The Corridor Vert OMVS 2040 programme is a major lever of economic, social and environmental transformation for the OMVS member states and for the West African sub-region as a whole.
Sustainability and ESG
The Corridor Vert OMVS 2040 programme embeds an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) approach at the heart of the design, financing and delivery of the Upper Basin's energy infrastructure.
Risk management
Delivery of the Corridor Vert OMVS 2040 programme takes place in a complex regional environment requiring rigorous risk management to secure the durability and viability of the energy investments.
Financial
Resource mobilisation, investment sustainability, energy market volatility.
Climate
Impacts on hydrological resources and on infrastructure resilience.
Environmental and social
Biodiversity, resettlement of communities, social acceptability.
Institutional
Regional coordination, technical capacity, project governance.
Security and geopolitical
May affect certain areas of operation.
The programme relies on strengthened governance mechanisms, close regional coordination between the member states and the specialised OMVS institutions, and strict compliance with international environmental and social standards (ESG, IFC, AfDB, World Bank). The use of guarantees, risk cover mechanisms, concessional financing and structured partnerships reinforces the bankability and security of the investments.