Background
Mali’s energy sector is under increasing strain due to rapid growth in electricity demand, heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, and structural inefficiencies in energy use, particularly within the building sector. Thermal generation dominates electricity production, driving up generation costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while climate change impacts, such as rising temperatures, droughts, and reduced hydropower reliability, further threaten energy security. The resulting power shortages and load shedding constrain access to affordable and reliable electricity and weaken economic productivity, especially in urban areas experiencing accelerated growth.
Energy efficiency, especially in buildings, represents a cost-effective and immediate opportunity to address these challenges. With buildings accounting for more than three-quarters of national electricity consumption, the absence of minimum performance standards and limited technical capacity for energy management significantly amplify demand pressures. Strengthening the capacities of local Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to conduct high-quality energy audits, deploy monitoring technologies, and implement innovative solutions is therefore critical. This technical assistance aims to reduce electricity consumption, improve grid stability, and support Mali’s broader goals of energy transition, climate resilience, and sustainable economic development.
CTCN Support
Through targeted technical assistance, CTCN will strengthen the technical capacities of local Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) by providing training and certification in international energy audit standards, demand-side management methodologies, and climate-resilient building solutions. This will enable ESCOs to deliver high-quality energy efficiency services tailored to Mali’s climatic and institutional context.
In addition, CTCN support will facilitate the deployment of advanced energy monitoring and analysis tools, support the integration of innovative technologies such as smart meters and decentralized renewable solutions, and enhance awareness among public-sector decision-makers and building managers.
Expected Outcome
This technical assistance will strengthen the capacities of ten local Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) through training and certification in energy auditing and performance measurement. As a result, ESCOs will be able to design and implement effective energy efficiency solutions in targeted public and private buildings across Mali.
The deployment of these solutions will lead to measurable reductions in electricity consumption, improved energy management, and the release of additional capacity on the national grid. Overall, the assistance will contribute to improved access to reliable and sustainable energy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the achievement of Mali’s energy transition objectives.
