Senegal: when solar street lighting becomes a large-scale reality

Many municipalities face the challenge of accessing reliable public lighting. Yet, in less than three years, Senegal has met this challenge: 120,000 autonomous solar streetlights now illuminate 528 communities, making the country a model of successful energy transition.

The program, led by Fonroche Lighting, a global leader in solar street lighting with unique expertise, has placed Senegal among the best-lit territories thanks to solar energy. It proves that safety, modernity, and development can be delivered through solar street lighting, improving daily life, supporting governments, and boosting economic activity.

Solar energy: an innovative solution tailored to communities’ needs

In rural or peri-urban areas, where the absence of an electrical grid slowed development, solar street lighting has emerged as the ideal solution. Each product operates autonomously, powered by a high-performance, long-life battery and smart technology that ensures consistent lighting 365 nights a year.

This strategy is driven by fast installation, energy independence, and the ability to secure villages and roads at night. Thanks to this innovative solution, visibility is enhanced, fostering safety, mobility, and successful community building across the country.

“On average, each municipality was equipped in less than two weeks, an exceptional pace for a project of this scale” says a local technical manager.

A measurable and immediate impact

• 51,000 tons of CO₂ avoided each year

• €210 million saved on the national electricity bill, easing national finances

• 12 million Senegalese people,three-quarters of the population, now benefiting from reliable, bright, and sustainable lighting

Smart streetlights, simplified management

The innovative technology embedded in each streetlight enables connected management. Local teams can remotely monitor the network, detect potential failures, and optimize maintenance operations.

“This allows us to anticipate, react quickly, and optimize our interventions” explains a local municipal manager.

An inspiring strategy for Africa… and beyond

This project, one of the largest in the world, demonstrates that the energy transition is not a utopia but a scalable, reproducible, and financially viable reality. Municipalities and governments now have a proven strategy, a reliable product, and a modern solution adapted to their constraints.

As one local elected official summarizes: “With this solution, our cities access modern lighting while controlling their budget and carbon footprint. It is a success we are proud to share.”

Key takeaways

• The Senegalese case proves that scaling up public lighting is possible, even in challenging technical contexts.

• Solar street lighting fosters safety, financial savings, and environmental protection.

• Thanks to Fonroche Lighting, smart, innovative, autonomous streetlights with long-life batteries deliver power, reliability, and visibility across the country.

👉 And tomorrow, will it be your turn?