Africa50, GPC, Wärtsilä and MPG, partner to deliver 125 MW gas power plant to drive Gabon’s industrial future

13 May 2025

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire– 13 May 2025 — Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investor and asset manager, Gabon Power Company (GPC), Wärtsilä Development & Financial Services Oy (WDFS) and Melec PowerGen (MPG) today signed a Shareholders’ Agreement to partner as co-developers of the 125-megawatt Orinko gas-to-power project in Gabon. The Orinko power plant project is located in Owendo, near Libreville, and will play a crucial role in stabilizing Gabon’s energy supply and advancing the country’s industrial strategy. 

The signing of the Shareholders’ Agreement marks a major milestone in the project’s advancement and underscores a shared commitment to accelerating sustainable energy infrastructure that supports Gabon’s industrial growth and energy security. The agreement was signed during the “Invest in Gabon” session at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in the presence of representatives of the Gabonese government.

The project is led by the ORINKO SPV, which includes four shareholders: Gabon Power Company (GPC), a subsidiary of the Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS), with a 40% stake; Africa50 with 33.8%; Melec PowerGen (MPG) with 21.2%; and Wärtsilä Development & Financial Services Oy (WDFS) with 5%. 

Demba Diallo, Managing Director and Head of Project Development at Africa50, said, “At Africa50, we believe natural gas remains a critical part of the solution for meeting Africa’s growing energy needs in the near and medium term. This gas-to-power project demonstrates the key role that natural gas plays in providing baseload energy to power industrialization. We have seen strong momentum in Gabon under its new leadership to address energy sector challenges. This partnership demonstrates how domestic vision, regional leadership, and private capital can converge around pragmatic energy investments that deliver reliable electricity, accelerate economic transformation, and reduce emissions intensity over time.”

As Gabon works to reinforce its energy infrastructure, the Orinko project will serve as a critical enabler for long-term industrial growth, job creation, and improved service reliability. 

Samer Nasr, Director at Melec PowerGen, said “At Melec Powergen, we are proud to contribute to Gabon’s energy transformation through the Orinko project. This investment reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable power solutions that fuel economic growth”.

Gas remains a central component of Africa’s pragmatic energy transition and mix, and projects like Orinko demonstrate how natural gas can be deployed responsibly to support grid stability, reduce emissions intensity, and unlock renewable potential. In addition, with reliable baseload power the integration of future renewable energy will be ensured.

Mr. Philippe Jr. OSSOUCAH, Chief Executive Officer of Gabon Power Company (GPC), highlighted the expected positive impacts of the project as well as the progress achieved to date: “In addition to harnessing our national gas resources, the IPP Owendo project will replace certain temporary energy solutions currently deployed in Gabon. The state-of-the-art technologies we will implement are expected to significantly reduce the noise pollution generated by existing installations on the site. Moreover, nearly 300 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase, with civil works scheduled to begin in June 2025. Driven by a shared commitment, GPC and its partners are determined to continue the efforts required to ensure the successful delivery of the IPP Owendo project in support of Gabon’s energy development.”

Pauline Morin, General Manager, Growth and development Africa Europe, said, “Orinko project aims at supporting Gabon’s efforts in meeting the country's growing energy needs while accelerating it energy transition. Thanks to Wärtsilä flexible engine technology, we will not only deliver reliable energy but also support stabilising the grid, enabling the integration of additional renewable energy into the mix. Wärtsilä is honoured to have initiated the Orinko project alongside our long-standing partner, GPC. Our commitment to patient capital and our ability to finance early-stage development risks remain crucial in bringing energy projects to fruition on the continent. With Africa50 and MPG, bringing their strong expertise, we will successfully bring the project to financial close and deliver lasting benefits to Gabon's energy landscape.

Africa50’s investment in Orinko aligns with its mandate to catalyze bankable infrastructure projects that deliver both financial and development impact. It also reinforces the institution’s dedication to supporting shareholder countries through strategic and scalable infrastructure.

ENDS

 

About Africa50

Africa50 is an infrastructure investor and asset manager that contributes to Africa's growth by developing and investing in bankable projects, catalyzing public sector capital, and mobilizing private sector funding, with differentiated financial returns and impact. Africa50 currently has 37 shareholders, comprised of 33 African countries, the African Development Bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), Bank Al-Maghrib, and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). For more information, visit: www.africa50.com

About Orinko SPV 

About Melec PowerGen (MPG)

Melec PowerGen Inc. (MPG) is a leading independent power producer (IPP) and energy infrastructure developer in Africa, with a growing portfolio of thermal and renewable power assets across the continent. MPG specializes in the development, financing, construction, and operation of utility-scale power plants that provide reliable and efficient electricity to support economic growth. MPG is committed to delivering sustainable energy solutions through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches that align with national development goals. With a strong track record in complex project execution, MPG plays a vital role in advancing energy access and stability across emerging markets.

About Wärtsilä Energy

 

Wärtsilä Energy is at the forefront of the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our customers and the power sector to accelerate their decarbonisation journeys through our market-leading technologies and power system expertise. Our solutions include flexible engine power plants, energy storage and optimisation technology, and services for the whole lifecycle of our installations. Our engines are future-proof and can run on sustainable fuels. Our track record comprises 79 GW of power plant capacity and over 130 energy storage systems in 180 countries around the world. Over 30% of our operating installed base is under service agreements.
 www.wartsila.com/energy

 

About Gabon Power Company (GPC)
 Founded in 2015 by the Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS), Gabon Power Company (GPC) is a company dedicated to the development, financing, and construction of drinking water and electricity production infrastructure. Its mission is to attract and integrate leading private investments into the water and energy sectors. GPC oversees a portfolio of six (6) major projects aimed at sustainably strengthening access to electricity and clean water across the country, while adhering to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. With a team composed primarily of Gabonese experts, GPC is currently leading several ambitious initiatives, including the Kinguélé Aval hydropower dam, its most advanced project to date. This dam is the first project in Gabon to be integrated into the United Nations carbon credit system, helping to avoid nearly 73,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Stay up to date with our news here www.gpc-gabon.com ; LinkedIn ; YouTube

 

Media Contacts:

Africa50 - Nana Boakye-Yiadom, Communications Manager, n.boakyeyiadom@africa50.com

Wärtsilä Energy - Fabien Cadaut, General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Africa,fabien.cadaut@wartsila.com
 

Melec PowerGen Randa Kraytem, Directrice des Opérations

 randa@mp-nrg.com

Category: Press Release