Energy is a fundamental component of Benin’s development. However, its electricity sector suffers from numerous problems, namely: high production costs, insufficient coverage in rural areas, aging networks, shortages and regular power cuts… These difficulties make the country particularly dependent on its neighbors for its electricity supply. Yet, Benin has enormous potential in the field of renewable energies, particularly in photovoltaic solar energy, the development of which is one of its priorities. Supported by AFD, the DEFISSOL project plans to build a 25 Megawatt-peak solar power plant on the Onigbolo site in southeast Benin. Managed by the Société Béninoise d’énergie électrique (SBEE), this facility will be one of the largest in the country, providing electricity to 350,000 Beninese and increasing the country’s national electricity production capacity. This project supports the diversification of Benin’s electricity generation sources in line with its COP 21 commitments to low-carbon growth.