Benin has joined the ranks of countries that have benefited from the European Investment Bank's (EIB) streamlined support for off-grid energy investments on the African continent. The country has just received a EUR 10 million (more than CFAF 6.5 billion) loan for the deployment of 107,000 high-quality solar home installations.

More than half a million people in Benin will be connected to electricity under the new EIB - ENGIE Energy Access initiative. ENGIE Energy Access is a leader in solar energy and the European Investment Bank is one of the world's largest lenders to renewable energy. As a result, 107,000 high-quality solar home installations will be deployed in the country.

The solar home systems include solar panels and the electricity is stored on batteries and paid for in installments ("pay as you go"). These devices are expected to improve access to clean energy for 643,000 people. According to Ambroise Fayolle, vice president of the European Investment Bank, the goal is to improve access to clean, affordable energy to fight poverty, create jobs and empower women and girls.