Le Partenariat" ("LP") is an NGO based in Lille and active in Senegal since the 1980s. Originally specialized in decentralized cooperation, since 2006 it has focused on sustainable development issues. More recently, this has included the issue of access to energy, thus creating common themes and concerns with the Foundation.

Numerous exchanges and discussions have led to the identification of the possibility of cooperating on the installation of a Plateforme Energétique (PFE), an infrastructure consisting of a mini-solar power station enabling commercial premises occupied by craftsmen and TPEs (Très Petites Entreprises) to be supplied with energy in areas not connected to the electricity grid. These bioclimatic Nubian vault buildings offer the advantage of being built using locally available materials (earth).

In December 2024, the Foundation's project manager visited the first PFE developed by LP and ARD (Agence Régionale de Développement) in the Saint-Louis region (northern Senegal), and more specifically in the pastoral area of the 6 forages, populated mainly by Fulani herders.

The transfer of skills and the active involvement of local partners is an essential aspect of LP's approach in the field, and is fully in line with the Foundation's strategy. Village communities, and in particular small-scale entrepreneurs in the areas concerned, are fully integrated into the governance and management committee of the platform, which is responsible for ensuring the long-term viability of the system, both during and after the project.

Rural communes are also at the heart of the project: as future recipients of an infrastructure linked to the development of their territory, they have a central role in the process of building and managing the project and the structure. The project will also support the formalization of the PFE's management structure and the training of key personnel.

Finally, on an institutional level, the Saint-Louis Regional Development Agency (PREDA) is competent in terms of economic development and access to energy on its territory. As a major player in the project, one of PREDA's objectives is to model and disseminate the PFE model. Its involvement and leadership position therefore make perfect sense.

A real economic development tool in areas not covered by the grid and in acute need of access to energy, the PFE also helps to create a shared governance space in a specific area.

During the December 2024 mission, ARD, LP and the Foundation visited various villages in the 6 borehole sylvo-pastoral reserve, and identified the village of Bouteyni as a possible location for the PFE.

The characteristics of this village justify such a project:

• Distance from power grid greater than 40 km
• Population over 700
• Health post, borehole, weekly market
• Dynamic economic activity and energy requirements (particularly for welding and cooling)

Bouteyni comprises 25 officially recognized villages and 8 attached hamlets, spread over a distance ranging from 2 to 8 km of track. The weekly market and borehole attract many neighboring villagers, transhumant herders and travelers making the connection between the towns of Richard Toll (to the north) and Louga (to the south).

The installation of a PFE will therefore enable :

• Improve the working conditions and production capacity of certain key trades (welder, vulcanizer).
• Offer new services (ice through cold production, telecommunications - money transfers, etc.) to local residents.
• Save time and money for contractors: for example, supplying fuel for generators currently involves journeys of up to 80 kilometers.

To confirm the project's relevance and feasibility, LP and PREDA carried out a field survey to gather information and meet with several key players in Bouteyni, concluding that the environment was favorable to the project's implementation.

In May 2025, a second Foundation mission took place in Saint-Louis and Bouteyni. The various stakeholders were met, and further discussions were held with the Mayor of the commune of Mbane (of which Bouteyni is a part) and the villagers.

The main principles of the PFE's operation, much questioned by the residents, were clarified:

• Businesses and entrepreneurs chosen to occupy the premises are selected on the basis of their files by a management committee made up of all stakeholders.
• Principle of payment of rent and energy consumption.
• Operating rules established collegially and transparently.
• The PFE is managed by an operator with the necessary knowledge of financial management, under the supervision of the management committee.
• Revenues from the PFE are used to finance its operation and to set aside funds for maintenance, repairs and replacement of equipment. In principle, the commune undertakes to contribute annually to a provisional fund for the same purpose.

All these elements are designed to avoid conflicts of use or interest and ensure the long-term viability of PFE.

Discussions have also been held with LP and members of the PROMESS project team, to identify ways of involving graduates in the installation of the PFE's photovoltaic field, and with the technical manager of PVSYST, who will provide technical support for the sizing and installation of the PFE.

The project will begin in the last quarter of 2025, following the signature of the partnership agreement with LP, which will be formalized later this summer.

The Foundation would like to thank Le Partenariat and ARD de Saint-Louis for their coordination and support during field missions.