Assessment of potential partners for e-methanol project implementation in West Africa: Case of Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa is accelerating its transition to sustainable energy, with green hydrogen and synthetic fuels such as e-methanol emerging as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. In this context, this research focuses on the strategic assessment of partners already active in the fuel value chain, the broader energy sector, and specifically for an e-methanol project in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. E-methanol production integrates renewable energy, green hydrogen, and CO₂ capture technologies, requiring effective coordination between multiple stakeholders from energy, industry, and logistics. The methodology applied is the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which enables the hierarchical ranking of potential partners based on a set of Regulatory, technical, financial, environmental, and value chain synergy criteria. The results show that the energy and fuel sectors in both countries are regulated by governmental institutions, particularly relevant ministries, along with specific national organizations. Across each segment of the e-methanol value chain, there are identified actors capable of ensuring or supporting project development. Ongoing renewable energy initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, expected to expand significantly before 2030, provide a favorable foundation for integrating green hydrogen and e-methanol production. This work thus supports Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal’s ambition to decarbonize their energy sector and position themselves as regional leaders in climate-resilient technologies.