India’s Premier Energies has secured a landmark USD 19.95 million solar electrification contract in Benin, signaling a major stride in the country’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions. The project, financed by the Export-Import Bank of India and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, is designed to enhance energy access across critical public infrastructure. It includes the installation of 750 rooftop solar systems at police stations, schools, health centers, and border surveillance units, alongside 4,400 solar-powered streetlights and 650 solar water heaters. These installations aim to improve public services, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote energy resilience in underserved communities.
Premier Energies, one of India’s leading vertically integrated solar cell and module manufacturers, will execute the project in collaboration with Benin’s General Directorate of Energy Planning and Rural Electrification under the Ministry of Energy, Water and Mines. The company’s CEO, Chiranjeev Saluja, highlighted the significance of the contract as a testament to Premier Energies’ global competitiveness and its commitment to empowering communities through clean energy. The initiative also reflects Benin’s broader national strategy to expand renewable energy infrastructure and reduce energy poverty, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.
This partnership underscores the growing role of South-South cooperation in advancing sustainable development goals across Africa. By leveraging Indian expertise and financing, Benin is positioning itself as a regional leader in solar adoption. The project is expected to generate long-term socio-economic benefits, including improved public safety, better healthcare delivery, and enhanced educational environments. As global attention shifts toward climate resilience and green innovation, initiatives like this one demonstrate how targeted investments in renewable energy can drive inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.