The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity across member states, with plans to increase the share of renewable energy in the region’s electricity mix to 48 per cent by 2030.
The regional bloc said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to accelerate West Africa’s energy transition, expand electricity access and support sustainable economic development across the sub-region.
Speaking on Wednesday at the ongoing delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Dakar, Senegal, the Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Abdou Kolley, said the commission remained committed to expanding access to affordable and reliable electricity.
Kolley, who was represented by the Acting Director of Energy and Mines, Mr Williams Baidoe, addressed the meeting of the parliament’s Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources.
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The meeting was themed: “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and Empowerment of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
Kolley said the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy was designed to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, to 48 per cent of the regional electricity mix by 2030.
He explained that the bloc’s Energy Efficiency Policy was aimed at reducing electricity losses, currently estimated at between 35 and 40 per cent, caused by ageing infrastructure.
“The renewable energy policy aims to raise the share of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48 per cent by 2030, while the energy efficiency policy seeks to reduce electricity losses currently estimated at between 35 and 40 per cent due to obsolete infrastructure.
“We continuously imagine the lives of families being illuminated with hope, students able to study after sunset, health centres able to save more lives, and citizens finding new economic opportunities in their own communities,” Kolley emphasised.
He noted that the meeting provided lawmakers with an opportunity to engage stakeholders, deepen their understanding of energy challenges and identify practical measures to accelerate inclusive development across the region.
Kolley highlighted key initiatives introduced by ECOWAS to address energy access challenges, including a gender-responsive policy framework anchored on the updated ECOWAS Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Policy and Energy Efficiency Policy.
He added that the commission had recently adopted the ECOWAS Climate Strategy to harmonise member states’ efforts to address climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures.
“The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) are working to strengthen regional energy integration and develop infrastructure needed to deliver affordable and sustainable energy services,” he stated.
Kolley stressed that access to electricity extends beyond lighting homes, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth, improved healthcare delivery and quality education in both rural and urban communities.
He said the commission was collaborating with member states, technical and financial partners and other stakeholders to mobilise resources, strengthen capacity and promote clean energy markets across West Africa.
According to him, recommendations from the meeting will support ongoing efforts to develop innovative solutions for accelerating universal energy access, advancing renewable energy adoption and promoting shared prosperity across the sub-region.
ECOWAS said increasing investment in renewable energy would help address energy deficits, improve rural electrification and enhance energy security, reinforcing the region’s drive towards sustainable development and economic resilience.
NAN
