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Côte d'Ivoire's Council of Ministers approved on 5 August 2026 three energy PPPs totalling 735MW: a 470MW combined-cycle plant by Genser Energy at Taboth, a 225MW floating unit and 40MW of modular capacity.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Council of Ministers approved three public-private partnership contracts on 5 August 2026 that will add 735MW of generating capacity to the national grid, Capmad reported on 7 August 2026. The largest is a 470MW combined-cycle thermal power plant to be developed by Genser Energy at Taboth, in the Jacqueville department.
The three projects
According to Capmad, the Genser Energy Taboth plant is structured as a design, financing, construction, ownership and transfer contract. The second project, Power 32, is a 225MW floating power generation unit in Abidjan under a lease and operation contract. The third, PIPS, is 40MW of modular thermal capacity at Attakro and Abrobakro, also under a lease and operation arrangement. The article did not name sponsors for the second and third projects or give project costs. The government justified the additions by the “strong growth in energy demand observed in recent years” and the country’s role as a regional electricity exporter.
Two different models
The contracts illustrate two approaches. A build-own-transfer structure for a combined-cycle plant is a long-term investment that typically needs a power purchase agreement, gas supply arrangements and state support to raise project finance. Lease and operation contracts for floating and modular units, by contrast, provide capacity quickly and with shorter commitments, usually at a higher cost per unit of power.
Why it matters
For developers and lenders, the approvals show Côte d’Ivoire is still contracting thermal capacity through PPPs, rather than relying only on public investment. The bankability of the Taboth project will depend on the terms of its power purchase agreement, the creditworthiness of the offtaker, gas supply and the allocation of fuel and currency risk, as well as any government support such as guarantees or letters of comfort. Lease contracts for floating units raise different issues: the ownership of the vessel, maritime and customs treatment, termination payments and the state’s exposure if demand or gas supply changes. Counsel advising sponsors or financiers should check how each contract fits within the country’s PPP law and procurement rules, since direct negotiation versus competitive tender affects challenge risk. Domestic gas availability will be central to the economics of new thermal plants. Investors should watch for financial close announcements and the identity of lenders on the Genser project.
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