6/12/2016 Launch workshop of the "Study for the setting up of a conducive environment to off-grid electrification in Benin".

IED and Practical Action Consulting started in November 2016 the Study for the setting up of a conducive environment to off-grid electrification in Benin, an integral part of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, implemented by the Millennium Challenge Account-Benin II (MCA-Benin II) on behalf of the Government of Benin.

This study is one of two components of the project "Access to off-grid electricity", the second component being the implementation of an Off-Grid Electrification Facility amounting US $ 40 million, aiming at mobilizing the private sector. This is the most important funding ever granted by the US Government for Off-Grid Electrification outside its territory.

At the end of this study, Benin will have an Off-Grid Electrification Implementation Policy and Strategy, as well as an associated Master Plan and Regulatory Framework. An important capacity building component for the institutions concerned (DGE, ARE, ANADER and ABERME) is also planned.

The launch workshop was held in Cotonou on 6 December 2016 in the presence of the MCC's Resident Director and the Minister of Energy, Water and Mines who officially opened the workshop.

Presentation of the study in the ORTB evening news of the 06 December 2016 (play at 6 min 34 s): http://www.ortb.bj/index.php/info/journal-tv/5078-journal-televise-20h-du-06-decembre-2016.