Title	Solar Energy in Mali
Project Type	Infrastructure oriented project
Swiss Partner	Wirz Solar GmbH – SolSuisse GIE Mali
Technology	Photovoltaic
Description	The present Solsuisse pilot project in Mali supports development in the locally anchored market and a solar energy infrastructure in northern Mali.  This sends out a signal for encouraging private business investments in the (up to now) neglected area situated in and around Timbuktu. Such access to renewable energies means better access to economical innovations, improved earning possibilities, improved education and training, creation of employment and local markets thus leading to improvements in the stand of living and finally, the consolidation of peace in the region. The project involves constructing a training centre for local solar technicians, a sales and maintenance network, the installation of 2000 solar home systems in the Timbuktu region, the building of 8 village type solar water pumping systems , as well as providing assistance during the construction of a locally based microfinance system
Country	Mali
Swiss Contribution	Swiss experience in solar water supply systems and training/promotion of the local know-how with regard to renewable energies form the basis of this project.  A good partnership with suitable local partner institutions is a key part of the project.
Website	www.sundance.ch
Project State	completed
Documentation	Final report (0.9 MB) "Förderung der Solarenergie für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung Timbuktu, Mali"