For local governments, public lighting has clearly become a strategic tool: it enhances safety, enhances the living environment, and improves the attractiveness of communities. But its impact doesn’t stop there. It also affects biodiversity, the quality of the night sky, and, of course, municipal budgets—particularly through energy consumption. This is an issue that should not be underestimated.

With GROUPE RAGNI, discover the 4 mistakes to avoid to ensure the success of your public lighting projects, whether they involve new installations or renovations. Well-designed lighting means a community that gains in efficiency, sustainability, and harmony.

• Nighttime dimming solutions, which can include turning the lights off at specific times, can be implemented.
• Smart motion sensors, which trigger a sequence of lights at specific times, can also be installed.

These two features will help you improve the system’s performance.
With grid-connected lighting, you will achieve the lowest possible energy consumption. With standalone solar lighting, you will have the solution best tailored to your needs—and therefore the most cost-effective.

It is, of course, essential to standardize the overall approach to preserve the harmony of the built environment, which leads to the next point.

2026 Africa-France Summit in Nairobi: GROUPE RAGNI, an African economic player supporting lighting projects of all sizes across the continent

On May 11, 2026, the GROUPE RAGNI will be in Nairobi (Kenya) for the Africa Forward Summit, organized under the auspices of the Office of the President of the French Republic. The event will bring together President Emmanuel Macron, the entire Team France Export (BPIfrance, Business France, the Directorate General of the Treasury, Foreign Trade Advisors, etc.), as well as numerous African heads of state and government. Our participation in this high-level summit reflects the progress the Group has made on the African continent in recent years and the growing recognition of its position within the French export ecosystem.

From an industrial player to a leading player in major public infrastructure projects

Over the past four years, GROUPE RAGNI has developed a comprehensive service offering designed to address the full complexity of African public procurement markets: design, manufacturing, installation, operation, and maint It is this integrated EPC approach, backed by structured export financing packages and innovative business models such as public-private partnerships, that the Group is committed to building. The project in Senegal, involving the supply, installation and maintenance of 36,000 stand-alone solar streetlights throughout the country, is the central operational reference point for this strategy, and has demonstrated its full feasibility on a large scale.

An African strategy backed by a recognized institutional base

This positioning is based on solid, long-term institutional partnerships. BPIfrance has been a shareholder of GROUPE RAGNI since 2022, demonstrating its confidence in the Group’s export strategy. In addition, the French Treasury has awarded the Group two FASEP grants, for Uganda (2023) and Benin (2024). These measures attest to the French government’s recognition of the quality and relevance of our projects on the continent. Enfin, en Côte d’Ivoire, le GROUPE RAGNI s’apprête à signer un partenariat formel avec le Ministère des Mines, du Pétrole et de l’Énergie, portant sur la structuration d’un programme national d’éclairage public intégré. The agreement will be formalized in Nairobi, in the presence of the French government.

A statement at the highest political level

As a sponsor of the Africa Forward Summit, the GROUPE RAGNI will actively participate in the roundtable discussion titled “Productive Cities: Balancing Urban Growth and Industrial Performance,” organized as part of the Agora Build, in the presence of several African heads of state and government. This forum will allow us to convey, at the highest level, our conviction that smart, solar-powered, and connected public lighting is a key driver for the African cities of tomorrow—cities that are productive, sustainable, and resilient.

GROUPE RAGNI, a key member of Team France Export

GROUPE RAGNI is participating in this summit as a committed member of Team France Export, alongside BPIfrance, the Directorate General of the Treasury, and all stakeholders in French economic diplomacy, gathered under the leadership of the President of the Republic. It is within this ecosystem of excellence that the Group, project by project, has built the credibility that now enables it to engage directly in negotiations with government ministries, sovereign agencies, and international donors. The Nairobi Summit marks a new milestone in this process. The Group will be there!

We would like to thank SNEF GABON, FMCT (Façade Maritime du Champ Triomphal) and URBAGEC Maroc for their involvement and trust, as well as our sales representatives, Justine AUGIER, Project Manager in Gabon and Yassine EL HICHOUNI, Africa Area Manager at GROUPE RAGNI.

RICE: Sanctuaries for Biodiversity and the Starry Sky

International Dark Sky Reserves (RICE) are areas dedicated to protecting the quality of the night sky, recognized for their low levels of light pollution and their commitment to biodiversity. These reserves are certified by Dark Sky International, based in the United States. Their role is to promote the astronomical and cultural heritage associated with the night and to preserve nocturnal ecosystems (fauna, flora, landscapes), notably by promoting responsible, energy-efficient lighting adapted to local needs.

The “Alpes Azur Mercantour” RICE, certified since 2019, is a living laboratory located in our Maralpin region, with which we have maintained a constructive dialogue since 2022, the year of the first edition of the “Rencontres de l’éclairage raisonné”.

The RICE Conference in France: A Key Event for Mindful Lighting

From June 16 to 18, 2026, the Valberg Departmental Center for the Environment and Observation will host the RICE National Congress, bringing together the RICE Congress of France and other countries to discuss nighttime issues, as well as other regions around the world working to combat light pollution. The event will bring together elected officials, natural area managers, scientists, industry representatives, and organizations for conferences, workshops, and roundtables on a variety of topics: lighting techniques, trends in light pollution, educational tools, the specific impacts of artificial light on biodiversity, and more.

GROUPE RAGNI supports the RICE Congress

As a regional organization, GROUPE RAGNI shares a strong commitment with RICE Alpes Azur Mercantour: to protect the night while meeting the needs of local communities. Our commitment is rooted in a philosophy of collaboration and partnership with local stakeholders (local governments, nature parks, and tourism offices). We understand the specific challenges of rural and protected areas and develop tailored solutions:

• Dynamic and smart lighting to limit unnecessary light pollution.
• Materials and designs that respect the nightscape.
• Supporting local authorities in complying with regulations (e.g., the December 27, 2018 decree on light pollution).

We promote energy and light efficiency, respect for ecosystems, and innovation through partnerships and collaborative projects.

By supporting the RICE initiative, GROUPE RAGNI reaffirms its role as a committed partner to institutions. We believe that the transition to sustainable lighting requires:

• Dialogue with decision-makers: engaging with elected officials, natural parks, and regional agencies to align technical solutions with public policies
• Training and awareness-raising: sharing our feedback with local technicians, engineering firms, and tourism offices through events and meetings
• Promoting best practices: highlighting local initiatives and integrating them into our CSR approach

Toward a synergy between preservation and innovation

The RICE Congress is a unique opportunity to create synergies among public, industrial, and non-profit stakeholders. For GROUPE RAGNI, this event serves as a think tank to accelerate the adoption of sustainable lighting across regions, acting as a catalyst to strengthen the link between technical innovation and societal expectations, particularly regarding the preservation of nightscapes. Finally, it serves as a showcase to position the South region as a model for lighting transition, combining economic performance with environmental stewardship.

“We took inspiration from neighboring cities. to adapt our lighting, distinguishing between the city center and residential areas with the support of SE 60 and RAGNI, who developed an optimized lighting plan with color temperatures adapted to each location. ” adds Mr. DUVIVIER, Deputy Mayor for Public Works, Safety, and Urban Planning

The nighttime blackout, formerly scheduled from midnight to 5 a.m., has been replaced by lighting reduced to 20%, which is considered more comfortable and respectful of wildlife. Presence detectors have been installed in certain sensitive areas (parking lot, school route).

Among the more than 600 light points replaced, 236 RETROFIT ÉLÉGANCE kits modernized existing lanterns while preserving street furniture and reducing the carbon footprint. Custom retrofits were designed for six heritage lanterns. Two brass VENCE lanterns incorporate birdhouses to encourage local wildlife, an initiative by SE 60 and RAGNI that has been praised by elected officials.

“The idea of integrated nesting boxes is excellent and has been very well received. Their discreet presence blends in perfectly with the environment, and we are very satisfied with them,” says the Mayor.

Entirely financed locally without government assistance, the project is part of a broader ecological transition strategy.

In 2026, the municipality plans to implement new sustainable developments, including a greenway and a redevelopment of the church square.

“Several projects are planned for 2026: creation of a pedestrian and cycle path with pedestrian detection, burial of the remaining overhead networks with installation of harmonized street lighting, and redevelopment of the church square with disabled access and responsible lighting in line with current choices,” says Mr. Jean DUVIVIER.

Feedback from residents has been positive, and the absence of criticism on social media is seen as a sign of success. The Mayor concludes: “We are completely satisfied: residents are generally welcoming of the project, especially because of the peace of mind that controlled lighting brings. Elected officials support it, and the absence of negative feedback is a good indicator of success.“.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Mayor Emmanuelle LAMARQUE and Mr. Jean DUVIVIER for taking the time to participate in this interview. We would also like to express our gratitude to SE 60 for its invaluable support in making this project a success, as well as to Romain KOZAR, sales representative at ETUDEQUIPE, whose involvement was instrumental in bringing this renovation to fruition.

Around 600 RAGNI luminaires were replaced point by point, with a color temperature of 2700 K, which is more respectful of the night environment.

In the citadel, a warmer lighting scheme was chosen, combining temperatures of 2200 K and 2700 K to create an enhanced night-time ambience.

In addition, more than 300 LEC-brand fixtures now illuminate the Upper Town, including the 1750 BOURGOGNE reference, recognizable by its customized studs emblazoned with the Bonifacio coat of arms.

Technical and local synergy

Faced with an ageing network and tourist numbers exceeding two million visitors per year, the city worked in collaboration with the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud (SD2A) and GROUPE RAGNI.

“This process had already begun in 2015 with an energy audit, which enabled us to integrate safety issues and coordinate the work with the renovation of the Upper-Town. Thanks to the support of the SDE2A and a solid, responsive and committed team, we were able to anticipate heritage and technical constraints and meet residents’ expectations for this phase of renovation. I’ll never forget the satisfaction felt by all those involved in this fine project at the end of the work – the symbiosis between the teams was important in tackling this modernization.”, stresses Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.

The SDE2A played a central role in this project, assuming full responsibility for project management, financing and technical coordination with the municipalities, as was the case in Bonifacio. Thanks to its expertise, investment capacity and strategic support, it was able to provide the commune with access to effective and appropriate solutions, even in the absence of external subsidies.

“In the Upper Town project, we took part in securing the networks and enhancing this heritage. This project involved the installation of 120 BONI lanterns, 22 recessed spotlights, 5.2 km of network, a point-to-point remote management system and 1.1 km of fiber optics. For the renovation operation, it represents 117 communes and 25 million euros with the support of EDF AGIR PLUS, the ERDF for the first parts and the Green Fund. Bonifacio thus benefited from 1.57 million euros from the Syndicat out of a total expenditure of 2 million, which is considerable,” explains Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Director of Services at the Syndicat.

When the city inspires new designs: BONI and CORSICA

The highlight of the project: the creation of a custom lighting fixture. Régis Clouzet, lighting designer at l’agence Lumière explains: “As part of an initiative to enhance Bonifacio’s nocturnal identity, we worked with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France to adapt a standard lighting fixture. The challenge was to create a contemporary solution respectful of the ancient heritage, drawing inspiration from the shape and volume of the bastion to create a unique design. After several prototypes, technical feasibility was assured thanks to collaboration with RAGNI’s design office, resulting in a specific luminaire that is now an integral part of the town’s identity.”

Right from the start of the project, a number of technical constraints became apparent, particularly in certain areas of the citadel that were inaccessible to traditional lighting. A series of tests was carried out in collaboration with several manufacturers, among whom LEC stood out by proposing a solution adapted to great heights. Their response, with the development of the CORSICA luminaire, made it possible to go beyond simple beaconing functions to meet the site’s requirements. Thanks to close collaboration between design offices, designers and local companies, a tailor-made luminaire was created, incorporating specific optics to suit the constraints of each space.

This tailor-made work by LEC’s design team, which has become a Bonifacio landmark, has paved the way for new projects, such as the illumination of the Church of Saint-Dominique, consolidating the success and scope of the initial project.

“The night-time illumination of this church is undoubtedly what makes all the difference and contributes greatly to its success, particularly during the Christmas season. In fact, it’s this image that is systematically highlighted on the Internet.” Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci.

A dual objective: protecting the environment while saving energy

The town has also developed a sustainable lighting charter to raise awareness among local users, particularly of the impact of lighting private gardens and commercial signs.

As Bonifacio is located in a marine protected area, it was essential to take special precautions to avoid lighting up the seabed.

“We opted for low color temperature light sources, combined with intelligent management, to limit light pollution. Today, the Upper Town is equipped to enable lighting modulation, in particular dimming. We are currently working with residents to identify possible improvements, determine the most appropriate time slots and so on. It’s essential that everyone feels concerned and fully involved in this process”, says Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.

A project with a bright future

In view of the results already achieved in the Upper Town, the municipality estimates that the reduction in energy consumption will reach 80%. An achievement that Bonifacians and visitors alike will appreciate.

“These savings will enable the commune to increase its cash flow and reinvest. This street lighting renovation meets three major challenges: heritage, environment and energy. I’d like to thank the RAGNI company, which responded quickly and professionally to a complex contract. It adapted quickly and was a true partner in public action.” Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Manager of the Syndicat.

The Mayor concludes: “There’s no such thing as a small issue when it comes to energy and lighting. What we’ve done here is a collective success. Since the lights went on, the feedback has been very positive: no more lighting problems, even when it’s raining, and a real improvement in the quality of life. I’m proud to have renovated the entire commune in a single term of office. I’d like to pay tribute to the work of GROUPE RAGNI: a committed local partner, embodying real industrial know-how, with whom we have taken up a great challenge together. It’s a wonderful family story. Today, RAGNI is an industrial flagship. Public lighting is a major challenge, and RAGNI must be recognized for its expertise. It’s a partner that local authorities have every interest in surrounding themselves with.”

Bonifacio is now lighting up its future by combining innovation, sobriety and respect for its heritage. An example to follow.

Many thanks to Jean-Charles Orsucci, Mayor of Bonifacio, Christelle Longuet, Director General of Technical Services for the town, Pierre-Paul Cesari, Director General of Services for the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud, Régis Clouzet, Lighting Designer for the Lumière agency, and Pierre Bianconi, AVEC sales representative for Corsica, for their availability, commitment and invaluable testimonials, which enabled us to give an accurate behind-the-scenes account of this exemplary project. Our thanks also go to the design offices, local contractors, installers, technical staff and all the partners involved, whose collective efforts made this project a real success.