The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) €8.51 million loan to Senegal’s ‘Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps’ (PPLEEF) is a great initiative, but who will ensure this light shines equally for all Senegalese, especially the everyday citizens often left in the dark?
Development Diaries reports that the AfDB announced the approval of the loan in a press statement on its website, describing the move as the bank’s first fully dedicated demand-side energy efficiency investment project, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development across Africa.
The initiative aims to bring LED lighting to nearly 700,000 homes and 80,000 small businesses across Dakar, Thiès, and Diourbel.
On paper, PPLEEF is a revolutionary plan. By swapping outdated incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, households and businesses stand to save money while helping Senegal cut its carbon emissions.
Also, this innovative on-bill financing model ensures affordability, allowing participants to pay for the new bulbs through their monthly energy savings.
‘This project will reduce electricity bills and redirect savings to improve electricity access’, General Director of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME), Mame Coumba Ndiaye, said in a statement.
A noble vision indeed.
But as history shows, even the best intentions can falter without robust oversight.
Need for proper implementation
For ordinary Senegalese, especially those in underprivileged communities, the project’s success hinges on proper execution. This is where civil society and the media in the West African country need to step up to ensure the government does not just bask in the glow of press releases but delivers real results.
After all, what good is an energy-efficient bulb if the lights go out due to mismanagement or corruption?
The civil society’s role is to act as a watchdog, ensuring that the funds are allocated transparently and the bulbs actually reach the intended beneficiaries. Advocacy groups should organise town halls, track progress, and report any irregularities to the public.
On the other hand, our friends in the media must play the role of an unbiased amplifier. Journalists can keep the government accountable and the public informed by spotlighting success stories and uncovering bottlenecks.
Regular investigative reports, citizen testimonials, and data-driven stories will keep the project on track.
Ensuring Success for the People
Development Diaries therefore calls on the Birame Souleye Diop-led Ministry of Energy and Mines to publish a transparent implementation plan, including timelines, budgets, and criteria for beneficiary selection.
The ministry should also establish grievance mechanisms for citizens to report issues, ensuring their concerns are addressed promptly. The ministry also needs to partner with local civil society groups to monitor and evaluate the project’s impact.
If implemented successfully, PPLEEF could serve as a model for other African countries striving to balance energy efficiency and equity.
Photo source: IAEA