Niger and Mali have forged a partnership to address Mali’s persistent power shortages, with Niger committing to supply 150 million liters of diesel to its neighbor following a recent agreement between the two nations. The diesel will be channeled to Énergie du Mali (EDM-SA), Mali’s national energy company, which has been grappling with financial challenges and struggling to maintain consistent electricity provision, particularly in urban areas.
Under the terms of the deal, negotiated by Mali’s junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, and Niger’s oil minister, Mahaman Moustapha Barke, Niger will sell the diesel to Mali at a significantly discounted rate, offering relief to a nation plagued by frequent power cuts. This partnership underscores Niger’s commitment to supporting regional energy stability and cooperation.
Niger’s energy initiatives extend beyond its collaboration with Mali. Last November, Niger inaugurated a pipeline to transport crude oil to Benin, with the oil sourced from the Chinese state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation. Additionally, in February, Niger announced plans to supply diesel to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, its partners in the Alliance of Sahel States, further solidifying its role as a regional energy provider.
As Niger endeavors to bolster its oil production to 110,000 barrels per day, with the majority destined for exportation, these collaborative efforts not only address immediate energy needs but also contribute to the economic development and stability of the Sahel region.