The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has outlined a regional strategy aimed at converting West Africa’s abundant energy resources into reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity, as the region continues to face chronic power shortages despite its vast energy potential.
The roadmap was presented by Koumoin Arbaduis, Acting Head of Conventional Energy at the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines, during a joint meeting of ECOWAS Parliament committees in Dakar.
Arbaduis highlighted the paradox confronting the region: while West Africa is richly endowed with oil, natural gas, biomass resources, uranium, mineral coal, and an estimated 25,000 megawatts of hydroelectric potential, millions still lack access to reliable electricity.
He identified inadequate power generation capacity, low electricity access rates, high technical and commercial losses, costly electricity generation and transmission systems, and overreliance on petroleum products as major obstacles hindering energy development.
ECOWAS has responded to these challenges through a series of regional policies and frameworks designed to strengthen energy cooperation, expand access, and promote sustainable development.
The region’s first comprehensive energy policy was adopted in 1982, followed by the 2003 ECOWAS Energy Protocol, which established a legal framework for long-term investment, trade, and cooperation in the energy sector. The protocol also provided the foundation for the West African Power Pool.
To tackle energy poverty in rural communities, ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) adopted a White Paper in 2006 focused on expanding access to electricity and modern energy services in rural and peri-urban areas.
The bloc deepened its commitment to clean energy in 2013 with the adoption of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy and the Energy Efficiency Policy, aiming to increase the contribution of renewable energy, reduce energy losses, and improve access to cleaner cooking technologies.
Further reflecting the organization’s determination for inclusive energy development, ECOWAS adopted the Bioenergy Policy and the Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access in 2017.
On emerging energy opportunities, Arbaduis highlighted the ECOWAS Green Hydrogen Policy Framework and Strategy adopted in 2023. This initiative seeks to position West Africa as a globally competitive producer and exporter of green hydrogen, with a target of producing at least 500,000 tonnes annually by 2030.
ECOWAS adopted an updated Energy Policy in July 2023 to address evolving economic realities, technological advancements, and climate-related challenges. The revised policy focuses on improving energy governance, achieving universal access to affordable and reliable electricity, diversifying energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and expanding access to clean cooking solutions.
The ultimate goal of the regional energy agenda is to build “a community with access to modern, reliable and sustainable energy services for improved living standards and socio-economic development.” The presentation was part of a five-day parliamentary meeting themed “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and Empowerment of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
