ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire – General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Transition of the Republic of Gabon, took a keen interest in the operations of the Azito thermal power plant during his visit to the Yopougon commune of Abidjan on April 12, 2024. Seeking to address Gabon's energy challenges, he aims to draw inspiration from the successful Ivorian model.
Accompanied by high-level Ivorian officials, including Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and Minister of Mines, Oil, and Energy Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, President Oligui Nguema acknowledged Gabon's current energy woes. "In Gabon, we suffer from a load shedding problem," he admitted, highlighting the need for solutions.
Gabon Seeks Energy Solutions at the Azito Thermal Power Plant
The Gabonese leader expressed his admiration for the Azito thermal power plant's achievements, stating, "Being on this site and looking at everything that is there is inspiring. It is a model that inspires us." He acknowledged the support promised by President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire for Gabon's energy sector development.
This visit underscores Gabon's proactive approach to tackling its energy crisis. "It is the sick person who goes to the hospital and it is the one who does not hide his illness who is cured," said President Oligui Nguema, drawing a colloquial Ivorian parallel to emphasize the importance of seeking solutions.
How the Azito Thermal Power Plant Can Benefit Gabon
The Azito thermal power plant serves as a valuable case study for Gabon, offering potential insights into improving energy infrastructure and addressing power shortages. By replicating successful strategies employed at Azito, the Gabonese government hopes to alleviate load shedding and enhance energy stability for its citizens.
Strengthening Côte d'Ivoire-Gabon Cooperation
President Oligui Nguema's visit to Côte d'Ivoire, which lasted 72 hours, had a broader goal of deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The Azito thermal power plant tour symbolized a crucial step in collaborative efforts to enhance Gabon's energy landscape.
Azito Thermal Power Plant Success Story
Côte d'Ivoire's Azito thermal power plant began operations in 1999 and has contributed significantly to the country's energy sector. Through ongoing improvements, the country saw an energy production capacity increase from 2,269 MW in 2021 to 2,907 MW in October 2023. This success demonstrates the potential for Gabon to bolster its own energy capabilities by learning from the Azito model.
