FNEES Senegal: Private Electricity Sector Forms Unified Body

• The Fédération nationale de l’énergie électrique du Sénégal (FNEES) has launched to provide a unified voice for private electricity companies in Senegal.
• FNEES aims to defend industry interests, contribute to public policy, and support universal electricity access and infrastructure investments.
• A project to mobilize over 200 billion FCFA is planned, with approximately 60% allocated to the national private sector, alongside a focus on local content development.
• Government officials have expressed support for FNEES, emphasizing the need for improved industry standards and reiterating ambitious renewable energy and "Gas-to-Power" targets.
• Senelec's acquisition of West African Energy (WAE) and its 360 MW plant is a key step in implementing the "Gas-to-Power" strategy, aiming to meet nearly 25% of national electricity demand.

The FNEES is poised to support the national objective of achieving universal electricity access and facilitate essential infrastructure investments.

The private electricity sector in Senegal has established a unified representative body, the Fédération nationale de l’énergie électrique du Sénégal (FNEES), officially launched in Dakar following its constituent general assembly. This new organization brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including independent power producers, solar and wind energy companies, installers, consulting firms, and concessionaires, aiming to consolidate a previously fragmented representation into a single, authoritative voice for engagement with public authorities.

Mamadou Saliou Sow, elected as the federation's president, emphasized the FNEES's mandate to advocate for the industry's interests and actively contribute to the formulation of public policy. He highlighted the critical role of independent producers, who currently generate over 75% of Senegal's national electricity supply, yet have historically lacked a collective platform for advocacy. The FNEES is poised to support the national objective of achieving universal electricity access and facilitate essential infrastructure investments.

Among its key initiatives, the FNEES plans to mobilize over 200 billion CFA francs for various projects, with approximately 60% of this substantial investment earmarked for the national private sector. Sow expressed confidence in the capacity of Senegalese enterprises and local financial institutions to absorb these investments, provided appropriate guarantee mechanisms and support frameworks are in place. A core priority for the federation is the promotion of local content, fostering the growth of Senegalese companies across the entire electricity value chain, encompassing production, installation, maintenance, studies, and digital services.

Government officials have welcomed the formation of the FNEES, outlining expectations and reaffirming strategic energy goals. Aziz Fall, representing the Ministry of Economy, underscored the intrinsic link between electricity pricing and industrial activity, urging the sector to enhance its standards, qualifications, training programs, and data production to improve its overall 'financability.' Mor Sarr, an advisor to the President of the Republic, encouraged professionals to collaborate and transform the federation into a dynamic forum for strategic thinking and policy proposals. The Confédération nationale des employeurs du Sénégal, led by its president Abdel Kader Ndiaye, also voiced support for the initiative.

Fatou Mbow Ly, the Director General of Energy, assured the FNEES of the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines' full cooperation. She reiterated Senegal's ambitious energy targets, including achieving a 40% share of renewable energy in the national mix by 2030. Furthermore, she detailed the nation's "Gas-to-Power" strategy, which aims for an installed capacity of 3,300 MW by 2034 and a significant expansion to 10,000 MW by 2050.

The "Gas-to-Power" strategy is already seeing concrete implementation through strategic asset acquisitions. Senelec, the national electricity company, has become the sole shareholder of West African Energy (WAE) after acquiring all its shares. The WAE plant, with a substantial capacity of 360 MW, is projected to meet nearly 25% of the national electricity demand upon commissioning.

This acquisition by Senelec is intended to secure and accelerate the operationalization of the WAE plant, thereby directly supporting the broader "Gas-to-Power" strategy and the long-term objectives outlined in Agenda Senegal 2050. These developments are part of a concerted effort to bolster Senegal's energy infrastructure and ensure a reliable power supply for its growing economy and population. A critical donor roundtable, aimed at securing further investment and partnerships for these initiatives, is scheduled for October 6, 2026.

Lawyers advising private energy companies in Senegal should be aware of FNEES as a new, unified representative body for advocacy and policy engagement. This consolidation could influence future energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities, particularly concerning local content and the 200 billion FCFA project mentioned. Compliance officers should monitor FNEES's activities for potential shifts in industry standards or regulatory expectations.

Source: Original reporting via Seneplus