Côte d'Ivoire continues to strengthen its energy infrastructure. A crucial step was taken on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Abidjan with the signing of the Common Terms Agreement (CTA). This agreement on common conditions brings together the technical and financial partners for the major project of the Songon combined cycle power plant , with a capacity of 372 MW .

A strategic investment of 423 billion FCFA

Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the Director General of Energy, Ehouman Kalifa Narcisse, emphasized the highly strategic importance of this infrastructure. The project primarily aims to secure the balance between supply and demand on the Ivorian electricity grid, while reinforcing Côte d'Ivoire's status as the leading energy hub in West Africa .

The total cost of the project amounts to 423.166 billion FCFA , including:

1. 342.129 billion FCFA (more than 80%) exclusively dedicated to the construction of the power plant.
2. Funding supported by a strong consortium of national, regional and international banks and financial institutions.

The objective for 2026: " Our common goal is clear: to achieve financial closure by the end of 2026, in order to allow commissioning within the planned timeframe ," promised Mr. Ehouman, assuring that the State will facilitate administrative procedures and guarantee the supply of natural gas.

Chinese expertise at the service of Ivorian development

The project is being technically led by the Energy China group, which is deploying its proven "Investment-Construction-Operation" model.

Ni Zhen, chairman of the board of Energy China, noted that this power plant will provide stable, clean, and efficient electricity to more than 31 million people. A powerful symbol of Sino-African cooperation, the group has pledged to adhere to strict quality, safety, and environmental standards, while also promoting skills transfer and support for local communities.

Major economic and social benefits

Beyond the energy impact, the Songon construction site will be a real engine of employment for the region:

Project phase	Number of jobs created
Construction phase	+ 1,130 direct jobs
Operational phase	260 direct jobs
Indirect jobs	1,172 jobs

This public-private partnership reaffirms the confidence of international investors in the strength and future of the Ivorian economy.