Gabon’s first utility-scale solar plant, featuring 30 MW of solar power and an 8 MWh battery storage system, will boost energy self-sufficiency and advance Vision Gabon 2030
Libreville, Dubaï, Abidjan, Paris, February 20th, 2026
AFRIGREEN Debt Impact Fund (“AFRIGREEN”), a leading investment fund dedicated to sustainable energy solutions, and BGFIBank, a Gabon-based regional bank, today announced a €28 million loan agreement with SOLEN SA, a Gabonese power producer owned by the Dubai-based Equitane Group (“Equitane”). The loan, issued in both Franc CFA and Euro, will finance the construction of Phase I of the Plaine Ayeme power plant.
SOLEN SA has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Gabonese State to develop, build, and operate a 60 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, co-located with 30 MWh of battery energy storage (BESS), in two phases. The first phase, supported by this financing, will deliver 30 MW of solar power and 8 MWh of BESS.
The project will harness Gabon’s solar potential, providing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to the national grid. It will also alleviate pressure on the Libreville power system, which faces rising domestic demand.
Aligned with Gabon’s Vision 2030 strategy, the project is a cornerstone of the country’s energy transition. The national electricity company, Société d’Energie et d’Eau du Gabon (SEEG), is driving this agenda in partnership with independent power producers like SOLEN SA.
The Plaine Ayeme power plant has received strong support from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Universal Access to Water and Energy, the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Debt, and State Holdings, and SEEG.
“We are proud to reach financial close on Phase I of the Plaine Ayeme solar power plant in the Estuaire province, located 30 km from the capital city of Libreville, alongside AFRIGREEN Debt Impact Fund and BGFIBank.
This milestone represents a decisive step in delivering utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure in Gabon. The Plaine Ayeme project reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the country’s energy transition by providing reliable, affordable, and clean electricity to the national grid.
With 30 MW of solar capacity and integrated battery storage in this first phase, the project will not only increase generation capacity but also enhance grid stability across the Greater Libreville area.
We thank the Gabonese authorities — including the Ministry of Universal Access to Water and Energy, the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Debt and State Holdings, and Société d’Energie et d’Eau du Gabon (SEEG) — for their continued support and collaboration.
This project demonstrates strong institutional confidence in Gabon’s renewable energy sector. As a company backed by Equitane Group, we remain committed to deploying long-term capital and expertise to develop sustainable energy solutions across the region”. Praveen Pai, Chief Operating Officer for SOLEN Renewable Energy.
“This strategic partnership reflects our determination to act as a driver of economic and environmental transformation for our country. We firmly believe that strengthening energy capacity is an imperative. We are therefore honored to have made a significant contribution to this ambitious, clean and renewable project, alongside our sister subsidiary BGFIBank Equatorial Guinea, which is already shaping up to be a landmark initiative”, said Simon Mapangou, Deputy CEO of BGFI Bank.
“This pioneering project in Gabon embodies our mission to advance sustainable energy across Africa,” said Ismael Django, Senior Investment Manager at RGREEN INVEST. “As our first investment in Gabon and our first local syndicated facility, it sets a new benchmark. We commend the outstanding work of our partners Equitane Group and SOLEN RE, and the strong commitment of Gabon’s authorities. We are grateful to BGFIBank for their partnership and look forward to supporting more transformative projects in the region.”
In a nutshell
- Gabon’s first utility-scale PV+BESS project
- Supports Vision Gabon 2030 strategy
- Total capacity: 60 MW PV and 30 MWh BESS (in two phases)
- Phase I: 30 MW PV and 8 MWh BESS, financed by a €28 million loan from BGFIBank and AFRIGREEN
Advisors
Blend Financial served as Financial Advisor to the project company and the sponsors.
DGFLA (Paris & Dubaï offices) and Project Lawyers (Libreville) are serving respectively as International Legal Advisor and Local Legal Advisor, Artelia as Technical Advisor, and ERM as E&S Advisor to AFRIGREEN.
BGFICapital is involved in strategic reviews, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financing structuring and syndication. In this transaction, it acted as Financial Advisor and Arranger, while Project Lawyers (Libreville) acted as Legal Advisor to BGFIBank