Senegal approves $300m solar farming deal

Key Figures & Findings: Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty has endorsed a $300 million partnership with The Cornerstone Group – Hajib Al Shams Joint Venture to modernize the country’s agricultural sector using renewable energy. Signed at the African Food Systems Forum, the six-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) deal will solarize farms, aquaculture sites, livestock units, and labs before transferring energy infrastructure to local producers. The agreement supports Senegal’s food sovereignty plan and aligns with its goal of creating 90,000 jobs in agricultural value chains.

Statistics & Insights: The government aims to mobilize $2.5 billion over five years under its national food sovereignty policy. Plans include the development of 525 integrated agroecological farms of 200 hectares each and a commitment to expand irrigation capacity to curb drought risks.

Future Implications: If executed as planned, the project could accelerate Senegal’s agricultural modernization by 2031, boosting productivity, strengthening resilience to climate change, and reducing dependence on food imports. Its BOT model may also serve as a template for future renewable-powered farming initiatives across West Africa.

Source: Ecofin Agency

Quick Take: Senegal’s $300m solar farming deal links energy and food security, a model that could shape West Africa’s push for climate-smart agriculture by 2031.