Firm Advising the Government of Côte d'Ivoire in Series of Major Energy Infrastructure Projects

New York, March 26, 2019 – Hughes Hubbard is advising the government of Côte d'Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, on the negotiation of concession agreements for the financing, design, construction and operation of a series of power plants as part of a strategic plan to develop the country’s energy capacity. 

The projects are part of the government's plan to increase national electricity production to 4,000 megawatts by 2020 while diversifying its energy mix. By exporting to neighboring countries – Ghana, Burkina Faso and Liberia in particular – Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, intends to become West Africa’s key player in the energy sector. 

Hughes Hubbard partner Sena Agbayissah and counsel Rhidian David, both based in the firm’s Paris office, have advised the government on negotiations with private partners on: 

• The Azito Combined Cycle Power Plant (Abidjan): In February, the government signed an agreement to expand the Azito power plant in the economic capital of Abidjan by 253 megawatts for 225.8 billion CFA francs (approximately $392.9 million). The project will include a 179 megawatt gas turbine and a 74 megawatt steam turbine. One of the most modern, efficient power plants in West Africa, the plant produces more than a third of the electricity in Ivory Coast. Construction work is expected to begin shortly and will create approximately 2,000 jobs.
• The Atinkou Thermal Power Plant (Jacqueville): In December 2018, an agreement was signed between Ivory Coast and Eranove, West Africa’s leading independent power producer, to build a 390 megawatt thermal power plant worth 248 billion CFA Francs (approximately $431 million). The project will create 2,500 jobs in the construction phase and 100 in the operational phase. 
• The Poro Power Solar Power Plant (Poro Region): Approved in October 2018, the future plant will have the capacity to produce 66 megawatts of electricity. It will cost 47 billion CFA Francs (approx. $81.5 million) to build. Hughes Hubbard’s work with the government will continue as Ivory Coast furthers its expansion in the energy sector.

Hughes Hubbard’s work with the government will continue as Ivory Coast furthers its expansion in the energy sector.

About Hughes Hubbard 

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is a New York City-based international law firm with a relentless focus on providing quality service to our clients and delivering successful results in the most complex matters.  With a powerful combination of scale and agility, we offer clients innovative and effective solutions, while remaining flexible to adapt to their needs and market developments. Known for a collaborative culture, as well as our diversity and pro bono achievements, Hughes Hubbard has a distinguished history dating back more than a century.