Agence Togolaise d’Electrification Rurale et des Energies Renouvelables has opened an international tender for the construction of solar mini-grids across 27 rural communities, as Togo accelerates efforts to expand electricity access beyond urban centres.
The tender, issued under a national rural electrification programme, targets villages in the Plateaux region and forms part of a broader plan to connect 317 localities nationwide. Authorities say the initiative reflects a strategic shift toward decentralized energy systems as a faster and more cost-effective alternative to extending the national grid.
The project is being financed by the Islamic Development Bank under a loan agreement signed in March 2022, highlighting growing international support for renewable energy infrastructure across West Africa.
According to tender documents, the contract is divided into two lots, each covering multiple communities and combining solar generation, battery storage and local distribution networks.
Lot A includes 11 localities and will deliver about 1,295 kilowatt-peak of solar capacity, alongside 2,520 kilowatt-hours of storage. It also предусматриes nearly 39 kilometres of distribution lines and more than 200 streetlights.
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Lot B covers 16 localities with planned capacity of around 1,030 kilowatt-peak and 1,850 kilowatt-hours of storage. The package includes over 50 kilometres of distribution network and more than 300 streetlights.
Both lots incorporate backup generators to ensure continuity of supply, particularly during periods of low solar output. Each contract is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Companies may bid for both lots, but only one will be awarded per bidder, a structure designed to diversify participation while maintaining competition.
Interested firms must purchase tender documents and submit bids by May 26, with proposals requiring a bank guarantee equivalent to about $80,000 per lot. Submissions must be made physically, as electronic bids are not accepted under the current framework.
The initiative comes as Togo seeks to address persistent energy access gaps, particularly in rural areas where electrification rates remain significantly lower than in cities. Limited grid coverage, high connection costs and dispersed populations have historically slowed expansion.
Solar mini-grids are increasingly seen as a viable solution. Unlike traditional high-voltage transmission infrastructure, they can be deployed more quickly and tailored to local demand, making them well suited for remote communities.
The systems typically combine solar panels, battery storage and small-scale distribution networks, enabling households and businesses to access reliable electricity without being connected to the national grid.
For rural economies, improved electricity access can have wide-ranging impacts, supporting small businesses, agricultural processing, education and healthcare services.
Togo has in recent years stepped up efforts to improve energy access as part of its broader development strategy, with a focus on renewable energy and off-grid solutions.
Authorities aim to increase national electrification rates significantly over the coming decade, aligning with regional and global targets for universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
The latest tender signals continued momentum in that direction, as the government leverages international financing and private sector participation to scale up deployment.
Across Africa, similar projects are gaining traction as countries look to bridge energy deficits while transitioning toward cleaner power sources.
For Togo, the success of the mini-grid programme could serve as a model for further expansion, helping to connect underserved communities while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and costly grid extensions.
