Assessment of Potential Partners for E-fuels Production in West Africa: Case of Mali and Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The transition to sustainable energy in West Africa requires innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. This research examines the prospects for e-fuels (electrofuels) investment in Mali and Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on identifying potential partners, evaluating them through a multi-criteria decision approach, comparing the two countries’ readiness, and recommending supportive policies. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework was developed to rank potential partners (including energy companies, state agencies, and investors) based on technical capacity (27%), financial strength (45%), environmental sustainability (8%), socio-political stability (16%), and strategic fit (4%). The study finds that each country has distinct high-potential partners: for example, in Mali, renewable energy firms and state infrastructure companies such as Akuo Energy and OMAP score highly with 30% and 41% respectively, while in Côte d’Ivoire, the national refinery (SIR) with 20% and Vivo Energy (16%) emerge as leaders. The sensitivity analysis showed that partner rankings can shift when future projects and planned investments are taken into account. In Mali, Hydroma rose to first place thanks to its hydrogen and ammonia projects, while Energie du Mali (EDM SA) gained significance through new solar PV developments. In Côte d’Ivoire, Petroleum Company of Côte d’Ivoire (Petroci), SIR, and Côte d’Ivoire Energy (CIE) remained leading partners, though their order may change depending on future strategies. Comparative analysis reveals that Côte d’Ivoire currently benefits from stronger infrastructure and a more favorable investment for e-fuels . In contrast, Mali offers abundant renewable resources, but it needs to develop its energy infrastructure. Despite these differences, the two countries have complementary strengths that could support a regional e-fuels industry by combining Mali’s solar potential with Côte d’Ivoire’s industrial base. To seize these opportunities, the thesis recommends fostering public-private partnerships, reinforcing grid and storage infrastructure, providing financial incentives, establishing clear regulatory frameworks, and supporting investment in local skills and innovation. These measures can create a favourable environment for e-fuels, attract investment, and encourage technology transfer