Mali’s Energy Demand Surges

March 27, 2025

Demand from the population has surged by 4 to 10%, yet the current energy provider, EDM (Malian electricity company), has failed to bridge that gap. In response to the persistent outages from EDM, which primarily relies on generators and diesel, innovative ideas for mini solar power plants are starting to take root in Mali's more isolated villages, which are largely untouched by the armed groups opposing the military government.

(3 Minutes Read)

In Mali, research indicates that achieving universal electrification will require an investment of approximately $1.3 billion, with 42% allocated for expanding existing networks and 52% for developing mini-grids.

Demand from the population has surged by 4 to 10%, yet the current energy provider, EDM (Malian electricity company), has failed to bridge that gap. In response to the persistent outages from EDM, which primarily relies on generators and diesel, innovative ideas for mini solar power plants are starting to take root in Mali’s more isolated villages, which are largely untouched by the armed groups opposing the military government.

Despite the reduction in power outages, Mali’s energy crisis remains severe, further straining an economy already battered by two coups since 2020 and ongoing violence from armed separatist groups and jihadists linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

According to the Malian Agency for the Development of Domestic Energy and Rural Electrification, known as AMADER, the rural electrification rate in Mali stands at a mere 25 percent. Since 2021, the small village of Karan, located near the Mali-Guinea border and home to 3,000 residents, has benefited from an 18 KW mini solar power plant.

In Mali, research indicates that achieving universal electrification will require an investment of approximately USD 1.3 billion, with 42% allocated for expanding existing networks and 52% for developing mini-grids.

Although solar energy is gradually making its way into the country through small solar stations, Mali, along with other Sahel nations like Niger and Burkina Faso—currently under military rule—may continue to rely on established non-renewable energy sources, which are often unreliable.