Dakar: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is targeting an increase in the share of renewable energy in West Africa’s electricity mix to 48 percent by 2030. The regional bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for communities across West Africa by the projected year.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet, Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday at the ongoing delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Dakar, Senegal. Kolley, represented by Mr. Williams Baidoe, ECOWAS Acting Director, Energy and Mines, said the commission remained committed to expanding access to affordable and reliable electricity across the sub-region.
Kolley spoke at the meeting of the parliament’s Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources. The meeting is themed: ‘Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and Empowerment of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.’
Kolley stated that ECOWAS’ renewable energy policy was designed to increase the contribution of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48 percent of the regional electricity mix by 2030. He added that the bloc’s energy efficiency policy was aimed at reducing electricity losses, currently estimated at between 35 and 40 percent, due to outdated infrastructure.
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.
Kolley further elaborated on the recent adoption of the ECOWAS Climate Strategy, aimed at harmonising member states’ efforts toward addressing climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures. He mentioned that 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.
The ECOWAS official emphasized that access to electricity goes beyond lighting homes, noting that it is a driver of economic growth, improved healthcare delivery, and quality education in both rural and urban communities. He mentioned that 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.
Kolley concluded by stating that recommendations from the meeting would support ongoing efforts to develop innovative solutions for accelerating universal energy access and promoting shared prosperity in the sub-region.