Singrobo-Ahouaty 44MW hydropower project in Cote d’Ivoire has reached financial close with the AfDB as mandated lead arranger.The €174.3 million ($185 million) financing package is made up of €40 million ($42.5 million) from the AfDB, with additional financing from the Africa Finance Corporation, the German Investment Corporation (DEG) and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund.Developed by AFC, Themis and local sponsor Ivoire Hydro Energy Holding, Singrobo-Ahouaty is the first hydro independent power producer project to be developed by a local sponsor in Cote d’Ivoire.The plant, located on the Bandama River, 150km from Abidjan, will connect rural inhabitants in the surrounding villages to the national grid. It will improve power supply reliability and reduce dependance on fossil fuels during peak demand periods.