Gabon to Import Electricity from Equatorial Guinea and Aims for 100% Access by 2035
Gabon is among the handful of African countries with an enviable access rate to electricity as high as 93%. In order to realize its objective to achieve 100% #ElectricityAccess by 2035, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have launched the first phase of the interconnection of their grids, allowing Gabon to buy electricity from the neighboring state.
On 22 February 2025, a dual ceremony took place on both sides of the border with the Gabon President Brice Nguema and Equatorial Guinea President Todoro Mbasogo. Representatives of regional and national organizations such as CEMAC, ECCAS, as well as the national company for electricity and water of Gabon (SEEG) were also in attendance.
At the same time, Gabon is in the process of building two power stations to enhance its domestic production capacity. Firstly, there is the 83 MW hydropower plant (#HPP) at Ngoulmendjium. Secondly, Gabon is also constructing a 120 MW thermal power station at Owendo. It is worth noting hat Gabon is an oil-producing nation and there is really no excuse why it should not be self-sufficient in energy needs.
The Gabonese capital Libreville was also experiencing frequent power outages due to outdated equipment. At mid-February 2025, Gabon therefore signed an agreement with Turkish company Karpoweership for a supply capacity of 70 MW as a stopgap measure. The electricity will be generated on two ships off Libreville and will cost about FCFA 1.8 billion (EUR 2.74 million) per month.
The first phase of the regional interconnection will link Bitam in Gabon to Ebebiyin in Equatorial Guinea. The initial capacity is for 3 MW but it is envisaged to upgrade the transmission line to 10 MW in the future. The imported electricity will supply the towns of Bitam, Oyem, Medoneu, Mitzic, and Minvoul, amongst others, in the districts of Ntem and Meyo-Kye in northern Gabon.
“This regional interconnection will provide abundant, competitive, and greener energy to the northern region of Gabon.”
Gabon SG Acting Dirctor Sevee Leeegnongo
The interconnection is part of the Central Africa Power Pool (PEAC) which ambitions to link up the grids of countries in Central Africa. In the 2nd phase, Oyem will be linked directly to Equatorial Guinea. Then, in the 3rd phase, Mednouneu will be interconnected as well.
Gabon estimates that it will be able to save up to FCFA 2 billion with this arrangement as users shift from diesel generators and plug into the regional grid. It is worth noting that grid electricity provides a more stable supply while cutting down on emissions.
Gabon is heading towards a Presidential Election scheduled to take place on 12 April 2025. It would appear that upgrades in the generation and distribution capabilities will be high on the political agenda.