“This project tackles the core barriers to electricity access, i.e. affordability, limited infrastructure, and weak sector capacity, by combining network expansion with reforms and private sector mobilization,” said Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Regional Director for Infrastructure. “It will not only connect people to power but will also strengthen the foundations for a more efficient and financially sustainable power sector.”
Despite recent progress, West Africa remains one of the least electrified regions in the world, with access gaps continuing to constrain growth, service delivery, and private sector development. In Togo and The Gambia, high generation costs, limited infrastructure, and affordability challenges have slowed electrification, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. The new project responds to these constraints by expanding and densifying distribution networks, lowering connection costs, and accelerating renewable energy development. It is expected to connect about 1 million people while unlocking new economic opportunities across both countries.
By powering households, businesses, farms, and public services, RAISE will serve as a strong catalyst for job creation. Reliable electricity will enable the growth of small businesses, agro-processing, and digital services, while reducing reliance on costly diesel generation. Over time, the project will generate labor income gains equivalent to about 11,700 jobs annually, including 2,500 in The Gambia and 9,200 in Togo, through both direct and indirect economic effects. In the short term, construction and network expansion will create additional employment opportunities, while building local capacity in the energy sector.
The project builds on decades of regional cooperation that have already delivered over 4,000 km of transmission lines interconnecting 14 West African countries, enabling cross-border electricity trade and more efficient use of energy resources. By further integrating national systems and scaling up renewable energy, it contributes to Mission 300’s ambition to connect 300 million people to electricity across Africa.
“RAISE highlights the transformative role of electricity in driving inclusive development across the region,” said Nathan Belete, World Bank Director for Africa Regional Programs. “By leveraging regional coordination and shared infrastructure, RAISE demonstrates how cooperation across countries can accelerate electrification, reduce costs, and deliver larger benefits for economies and communities.”
