Strengthening regional power trade with evidence-backed investment in West Africa
Electricity isn’t just about lights and power. It’s a catalyst for regional economic integration. For Côte d’Ivoire, becoming a hub in the West African Power Pool (WAPP) means more than exporting energy. It’s a step toward lower costs, stronger infrastructure, and shared prosperity across borders.
As the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) prepared its regional compact with Côte d’Ivoire, the Limestone Analytics team was brought in to peer review the core economic model guiding investment decisions. This was not just a spreadsheet check. We examined whether the model truly captured the value of grid modernization, new generation capacity, and cross-border electricity trade, not only for Côte d’Ivoire but also for its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso. Our work was delivered in close coordination with MCC’s Côte d’Ivoire country team and energy economists.
The Limestone team validated the model’s logic, tested its assumptions, and flagged areas for improvement. The result? A stronger, more credible economic case for investing in regional electricity trade. With improved accuracy and transparency, MCC can better target funding toward infrastructure and institutional reforms that deliver measurable impact, like lowering energy costs, expanding grid access, and creating long-term value for millions of people.
This peer review supports a compact that could bolster energy trade in Côte d’Ivoire and across West Africa, helping address energy poverty in the region.
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