ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company and a key player in the energy transition, announced the signing of project agreements with the Government of Senegal for the Grande-Côte seawater desalination project.

The infrastructure project, powered entirely by renewable energy, is expected to deliver up to 400,000 m³ of potable water per day. It aims to secure water access for Dakar and surrounding regions, marking a major step toward improving water security in West Africa.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Dakar. It formalized both the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract and the Government Support Agreement (GSA).

The event was attended by:

• His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Fay, President of Senegal
• Key ministers from water, finance, economy, and cooperation portfolios
• Representatives from SONES and ACWA Power

A high-level Saudi delegation also participated, including officials from the Saudi Embassy, Investment Promotion Authority, MISA, and Saudi Water Authority.

With an investment of approximately USD 800 million, the Grande-Côte Project is set to become the largest desalination initiative in West Africa. It will be delivered in two phases, each producing 200,000 m³/day of desalinated water. Financial close is expected by 2026, with commercial operations beginning in 2031.

The project will operate under a long-term partnership with SONES and will rely fully on green electricity sourced via a supply agreement with SENELEC, Senegal’s state-owned utility company.

This positions the Grande-Côte Project among the few large-scale desalination plants globally to run entirely on renewable energy. It also supports Senegal’s sustainability and climate goals.

Raad Al Saady, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ACWA Power, stated that the agreements underscore the company’s commitment to sustainable development and global water solutions.

He added that the project will serve as a benchmark for environmentally responsible desalination and will help ensure a sustainable water future for Dakar and nearby communities.

The agreement further highlights Senegal’s efforts to leverage public-private partnerships for essential infrastructure, while reinforcing ACWA Power’s commitment to advancing sustainable development across Africa.

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