Mali has unveiled plans to import diesel from Niger as part of efforts to enhance its electricity supply.

Niger is poised to deliver 150 million liters of diesel to support power generation in neighboring Mali amid ongoing electricity shortages, Mali's presidency announced on Tuesday.

With only approximately 11 million people, or about half of its population, having access to electricity, Mali, under military rule since a 2020 coup, faces significant challenges.

The national energy company, EDM-SA, is burdened by over 200 billion CFA francs ($330 million) in debt, leading to disruptions in power supply in Bamako, the capital, and other towns across Mali.

Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of Mali's junta, met with Niger's oil minister, Mahaman Moustapha Barke, on Tuesday to finalize a partnership agreement for the delivery of 150 million liters of diesel, according to a statement from the Malian presidency.

Barke, quoted in the statement, stated, "This fuel will be designated for Energie du Mali (EDM-SA) to support the country's various power stations."

In February, Niger announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for diesel supply to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad, all governed by military regimes.

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have formed an Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and announced their withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS in February.

In November, Nigerien authorities inaugurated a massive pipeline to transport crude oil from the Agadem oil field in the southeast to neighboring Benin.

On April 13, authorities in Niger announced that they secured a $400 million loan from their Chinese partner, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), a state-owned entity. This advance is against the anticipated sale of crude oil, with marketing slated to commence in May.

Niger aims to ramp up its oil production to 110,000 barrels per day, with 90,000 barrels earmarked for export.