Multinational - Baynes Hydro Power Project between Angola and Namibia 600 MW Advisory

The Bayne’s Hydropower Project (HPP) is a priority project identified, by the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP2), and the SADC Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030. The project is well anchored on the operational priorities of the SADC/COMESA regional infrastructure development master plans which place emphasis on: (i) infrastructure development; and (ii) enhancing institutional capacity and skills. Based on the feasibility studies, the project is viable, and a PPP model has been recommended with an estimated value of USD 1.34 billion. The techno-economic studies, that are currently being updated, were completed in 2011 and were found to be technically and financially feasible. This operation is therefore responding to strengthening the studies to gain the confidence of the private sector by ensuring its participation to leverage the already constrained government fiscal spaces. The purpose of the technical assistance is to engage an Independent Panel of Experts (IPoE) to review and validate all the design work according to the best international standards. The techno economic studies that are being updated, and the bidding document that is expected to be prepared by the transaction advisor by the Africa Legal Support Facility (ALSF), are all subject to the review by the IPoE. The key areas subjected to the review of the IPoE includes: all engineering, economic aspects with their pros and cons for options selection (dam type, height, power generation facility and capacity, etc.). The Technical Assistance will be implemented over a period of three (3) years between January 2022 to January 2025 following approval by the Bank. The total estimated cost is UA 575,000 of which UA 500,000 is provided by the Bank under the Middle-Income Countries Technical Assistance Fund (MIC-TAF) Grant.