All needed financing has been raised for the construction of the 52-MWp Sokhoro solar park in Cote d’Ivoire, the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) announced. This is not just another solar project; it is a signal of the growing momentum for renewable energy in a country that has historically relied on natural gas.
The project is being developed by Poro Power 1, a special-purpose company led by infrastructure investor PFO Africa. The financing mechanism is as novel as the project itself. The investor financed the plan through a green bond sale and secured USD 32.2 million from the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund, while the West African Development Bank contributed USD 27.6 million.
The Mechanics of the Project
To be installed in the town of Sokhoro, in the northwestern region of Tchologo, the solar farm is set to become one of the country’s largest PV installations. Previously dubbed Ferke Solar, the plant will be able to generate 90 GWh of electricity annually. This is enough to supply more than 370,000 local residents.
The project is a 25-year power off-take deal with the Cote d’Ivoire government. This long-term commitment provides the stability needed for investors and ensures a reliable source of clean energy for the country’s grid. For a nation that is aiming to raise the share of renewables to 45% by 2030, this is a vital step.
Cote d’Ivoire currently has only 37.5 MWp of solar in operation. The Sokhoro project alone will more than double this capacity. According to AFSIA data, roughly 195 MWp of PV parks are currently under construction in the country. This rapid expansion shows that the government’s goal of 45% renewables is not just a target on paper; it is being backed by real investment and infrastructure.
The shift toward solar is also a move toward energy independence. By reducing its reliance on natural gas, Cote d’Ivoire is insulating itself from global price shocks and building a more resilient energy system. This is particularly important in a region where energy security is a major driver of economic growth.
The energy transition in West Africa is accelerating. Countries like Cote d’Ivoire are showing that it is possible to scale renewable energy quickly with the right policy and financial support. The Sokhoro project is a model for how to combine private investment with development finance to deliver large-scale clean energy.
It is a move toward a more sustainable and secure energy future for the entire region. The 52-MWp project is a clear signal that the green shift in West Africa is no longer a distant goal; it is happening now.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
