ECOWAS parliament pushes for better electricity access across West Africa

The ECOWAS Parliament is working to improve access to reliable and affordable electricity across West Africa. The regional body also aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the region’s electricity supply to 48 percent by 2030.

This was discussed during a meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources in Dakar, Senegal.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Williams Baidoe, Acting Director of Energy and Mines, said ECOWAS is committed to ensuring that all communities in the region have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.

The meeting focused on the theme: “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and Empowerment of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”

According to reports, more than 190 million people in West Africa still do not have access to electricity. Rural electrification remains very low, averaging about 12 percent across the region. Challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate power supply, and inefficiencies in electricity distribution continue to slow economic growth and industrial development.

Kolley said ECOWAS has developed several policies to guide the region’s energy sector, including the ECOWAS Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Policy, and Energy Efficiency Policy.

He explained that the renewable energy policy seeks to raise the share of renewable energy sources, including large hydropower projects, to 48 percent by 2030. The energy efficiency policy is also designed to reduce electricity losses, which are estimated at between 35 and 40 percent due to outdated infrastructure.

He added that the recently adopted ECOWAS Climate Strategy will help member states work together to address climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures.

Kolley noted that institutions such as 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 collaborating to strengthen regional energy integration and develop infrastructure needed to provide affordable and sustainable energy.

He said ECOWAS envisions a future where families have reliable electricity, students can study after dark, health centres can offer better services, and communities can create more economic opportunities through improved access to power.

Kolley also stated that member states, development partners, and other stakeholders are ready to mobilize resources, build capacity, and promote clean energy markets across the region.

Meanwhile, Hary Andriantavy of the African Association for Rural Electrification (CLUB-ER) stressed that access to electricity is essential for sustainable development and poverty reduction in rural communities.

Presenting a paper on the impact of energy access on rural economies, he said electricity supports economic growth, improves healthcare and education services, enhances quality of life, promotes social inclusion, and contributes to environmental sustainability.

The meeting continues with discussions on practical ways to expand electricity access and accelerate development across West Africa.