Ghoubet Djibouti Windfarm Project

Project Description

On December 19,2019, MIGA issued a guarantee for US$100.81 million that will support the design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of Djibouti’s first utility-scale wind project, which also represents the country’s first independent power producer (IPP). Issued to Djibouti Wind Company Ltd (acting for Djibouti Wind LP as its general partner) to benefit Africa Finance Corporation and Construction Equity Fund, a blended finance facility managed by Climate Fund Managers, the guarantees cover up to 90 percent of investments made and future earnings in the Project for up to 20 years. The guarantees provide protection against Currency Inconvertibility & Transfer Restriction, Expropriation, Breach of Contract, and War & Civil Disturbance. In addition to its own resources, MIGA is using the International Development Association’s MIGA Guarantee Facility (MGF) to provide a first-loss layer in support of the project. The MGF helps bridge gaps where market and MIGA-arranged capacity are insufficient or unavailable to crowd in private investment.

The project consists of a 58.9-megawatt (MW) wind farm in Ghoubet, along with interconnection facilities located in the Arta Region (between Lake Assal and Djibouti City). Once operational, all electricity generated will be sold by the Red Sea Power Limited SAS to the Djiboutian state-owned national electricity utility, Electricite de Djibouti, under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

Environmental Categorization

The Project has been classified as Category B according to the MIGA Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability.  Click here to view the Environmental and Social Review Summary.

Development Impact

The Project is estimated to avoid the emission of approximately 154,526 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year when in operation. This aligns with the country’s Vision Djibouti 2035, which aims to transition from complete reliance on domestic thermal energy in 2010 to 100 percent renewable electricity sources by 2030. The Project will also provide a stable source of electricity increasing accessibility and establishing a more ideal environment for businesses.

Only half the population in Djibouti has access to electricity, and the country relies heavily on electricity imported from Ethiopia and aging fossil fuel powered generators. Djibouti has also experienced a consistently low rate of foreign private investment—with many companies citing lack of electricity being the main constraint they face. MIGA’s private sector guarantees and the Project will help to improve private sector confidence and mobilize further foreign private investment in the country. 

MIGA’s support for this Project is consistent with the Agency’s priorities of supporting investment in Climate Change and into IDA and FCS countries.