Togo about to seal $200M deal with World Bank for major electricity and internet project
Wednesday, 22 November 2023 16:04 
(Togo First) - Togo could soon secure $200 million from the World Bank for the Improved Digital Access and Electricity Access Project (IDEA). The latter aims to boost access to the internet and power in the country.
In case it comes through, the $200 million financing would be the biggest Togo ever received from the World Bank.
According to someone familiar with the matter, a deal could be signed soon. Referring to the IDEA, the source said: “This project has been in the pipeline for some time”. Documents consulted by Togo First indicate that the project has four goals.
Firstly, it aims to improve the reliability of transmission services in northern Togo, where current losses in electricity distribution represent over 17%, according to the latest statistics.
Secondly, it seeks to extend the coverage of electricity services, both on and off the grid, in target areas.
Thirdly, the IDEA project aims to increase broadband network coverage and access to digital services, in a country with an internet penetration rate of 35% (DataReportal).
The last objective of the IDEA is to bolster the operational performance of the CEET, Togo’s power utility.
Under the project, a 161 kV high-voltage transmission line will be built to reinforce the CEET’s grid. Also, around 262 km of lines will be laid across the country, thus supplying power to remote areas. At the same time, the new project incorporates an innovative digital dimension. Fiber optic cables will be installed along the new high-voltage transmission lines, creating a state-of-the-art communications infrastructure.
"These lines will be equipped with fiber optic cables to extend the reach of the fiber optic network of SIN [the company responsible for managing the state's digital and public telecoms infrastructures, ed. note], thus enabling equitable distribution of bandwidth to all telecoms operators in Togo," said sources close to the matter. This is a major development, according to the sources who added that "it will reduce the digital divide and boost socio-economic development in previously isolated areas of Togo".
The project also supports the deployment of smart stand-alone solar systems in rural areas, like other national projects in the CIZO which provides affordable solar home systems.
Fiacre E. Kakpo
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