SBEE: Hippolyte Ebagnitchie officially takes over from André-Marie Kaczmarek

The Beninese Electric Power Company (SBEE) is embarking on a new phase in its history. On Friday, July 18, 2025, a transition ceremony was held at the headquarters’ conference room in Cotonou, presided over the handover of responsibilities between outgoing General Manager, André-Marie Kaczmarek, and his successor, Hippolyte Ebagnitchie.

A solemn moment, filled with emotions and commitments, that marks the continuation of a momentum begun and the opening of a new era for the company.

According to SBEE’s Secretary-General, Edwige Adohinzin Hountondji, this marks a “decisive turning point” in the company’s trajectory. The selection of the new General Manager, according to her, reflects a determination to sustain and amplify ongoing reforms, in the interest of users and the country.

Speaking on behalf of the workers, the Secretary General of SYNTRA/SBEE, Affissou Bamdélé, praised the work of the outgoing General Manager. He highlighted his involvement in improving working conditions, while wishing success to the new boss. “Life is a relay race. Another is called upon to continue the work you began,” he declared, expressing the staff’s readiness to support the new management.

During his nineteen-month tenure, André-Marie Kaczmarek undertook several major projects. He talks about the implementation of a decentralized management, represented by ten autonomous regional directorates, and a reorganization geared towards performance, customer service quality, and modernized governance. With emotion, he hands over to a professional he says he knows and values, thanks to a shared experience in Côte d’Ivoire.

A journey, a vision

Appointed in the Council of Ministers on July 16, Hippolyte Ebagnitchie takes over the leadership of the SBEE with a solid background. Former Deputy Director General of the Ivorian Electricity Company (CIE), founding President of the Association of Francophone Energy Regulators, he was also the first mayor of the municipality of Assinie. In his address, he expressed his gratitude to the Beninese authorities for the faith placed in him, particularly to the Head of State and the Minister of Energy.

Faithful to a participatory governance approach, Hippolyte Ebagnitchie reached out to social partners, promising a work climate based on listening, transparency and recognition of merit. He also pledged to continue internal transformation efforts while focusing on clear priorities: service quality, loss reduction, infrastructure modernization, development of internal skills, and regaining user trust.

A transition under the seal of continuity

Representing the Minister of Energy, Water and Mines, the Director of the Cabinet, Agnidé Emmanuel Lawin, emphasized sustainable development objectives, particularly universal access to electricity. He expressed the hope that the new General Manager would quickly translate his roadmap into concrete results, reinforcing both governance and user satisfaction.

The ceremony took place in a friendly atmosphere, punctuated by symbolic gestures of recognition. The ten regional directors presented a gift to the outgoing GM, a testament to their gratitude. With this handover, the SBEE appears decisively set on a new phase filled with rigor, innovation, and proximity.