(Togo First) - Matteo della Volta, Project Developer at Siemens in French-Speaking Africa, attended the forum on clean energy organized by BOAD last week. On that occasion, he answered some of Togo First’s questions relating to the Kekeli gas-fired power plant project, among others. Siemens, let’s recall, is engaged in the Kekeli project with Eranove and Spanish developer TSK.

Togo First: Siemens recently engaged in the Kekeli Efficient Power plant project, a major component of Togo’s new national electrification strategy. What motivated this decision?

Matteo della Volta (MDV): Siemens has been in Togo for a long time and other countries of the region where we support governments and private investors develop projects. In Togo, with our partners for this project, we found a favorable work environment and didn’t hesitate to take part to the competitive dialogue initiated by the government. The power sector is only a start, but one that is fundamental for the country. To quote the Ivorian President, at the opening of this forum: “There is no progress without electricity”.   

Togo First: Could this be the beginning of a long and sustainable partnership between your group and Togo ? 

MDV : All actions of Siemens in Africa fall under a sustainable development strategy. For example, we commit to maintaining the Kekeli plant in the years to come. I wouldn’t say this is a beginning but rather the continuation of an old, fruitful, relationship existing between Togo and the German industry. Siemens is also interested in working with Togo to multiply efforts and achievements realized in the power sector.

Togo First: Besides Lomé’s thermal plant, what other plans do you have in Togo?

MDV : We are already active in the Togolese industrial fabric, and in other countries of the region also. We are ready to help both the government and private investors, by providing them technology relating to electrification, automation and digitalization. Togo has a real potential but it cannot be exploited without first investing in its people, in their training to be specific. This is where we first plan to invest. The power plant will be operated by a Togolese staff as mentioned in a press statement recently released by the project’s various partakers. 

Togo First: In this regard, Togo’s president who was in Germany a few weeks ago met with Siemens’ top executives. During the meeting, the Togolese delegation discussed with the executives of Togo’s national development strategy and Siemens said it was ready to support the roadmap’s implementation. In detail, could you tell us how Siemens plans to help Togo implement the five-year plan which should make the country an industrial power in the region? 

MDV: During the meeting, Siemens and its partners committed to, in the presence of Togolese authorities, successfully carry out the Kekeli project. I can therefore say that our first action is already underway. As for our other plans in Togo, Siemens will monitor every major investment and public tenders. Siemens is ready to help authorities technically assess and financially structure opportunities available. Regarding the financial structuring, we noticed during the forum that many investors and industrials are getting interested in this developing nation. This is the right time. Siemens will hence maintain an open dialogue with authorities while paying attention to the country’s needs and trying to meet them with appropriate and sustainable solutions.

Interview by Fiacre E. Kakpo