Key points
- ECOWAS says it aims to raise renewable energy to 48 per cent of West Africa’s electricity mix by 2030.
- The bloc is also pushing for universal access to reliable and affordable electricity across the region.
- Electricity losses in West Africa are estimated at 35 to 40 per cent due to outdated infrastructure.
- ECOWAS is advancing regional energy policies on renewable energy, efficiency and climate action.
- Institutions such as WAPP, ECREEE and ERERA are driving energy integration efforts.
Main Story
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to increase the share of renewable energy in West Africa’s electricity mix to 48 per cent by 2030 as part of broader efforts to expand access to reliable and sustainable power across the region.
The target was disclosed on Wednesday at a delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Dakar, Senegal, by Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission.Kolley, represented by Williams Baidoe, Acting Director for Energy and Mines, said the regional bloc remains committed to ensuring universal access to affordable electricity for communities across West Africa.
He said ECOWAS energy policies are designed not only to expand renewable energy use but also to improve efficiency and reduce losses in the power sector. According to him, electricity losses in the region currently range between 35 and 40 per cent due to outdated infrastructure. He said the renewable energy policy aims to increase the contribution of clean energy sources, including large hydropower, to 48 per cent of the regional electricity mix by 2030.
Kolley added that the energy efficiency policy is focused on reducing waste and improving the reliability of electricity supply across member states. He said access to electricity is central to economic growth, education, healthcare delivery and improved livelihoods across West Africa.
He also noted that ECOWAS institutions, including the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), and the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), are working to strengthen regional energy integration. Kolley said the bloc has also adopted a gender-responsive energy framework and a regional climate strategy to support coordinated action on climate change.
He said ECOWAS is collaborating with member states and development partners to mobilise funding, build capacity and expand clean energy markets across the region. He added that the outcome of the parliamentary meeting would support efforts to develop practical solutions for achieving universal energy access.
The Issues
- Low electricity access and unreliable power supply across West Africa.
- High energy losses due to weak and outdated infrastructure.
- Need for large-scale investment in renewable energy systems.
- Coordination challenges among member states in energy planning.
- Balancing energy expansion with climate change commitments.
What’s Being Said
- ECOWAS official Abdou Kolley said: “The renewable energy policy aims to raise the share of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48 per cent by 2030.”
- He added: “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.”
What’s Next
- ECOWAS will continue implementing regional energy and climate policies.
- Member states are expected to align national strategies with the 2030 renewable energy target.
- Investments in grid infrastructure and renewable energy projects are expected to increase.
- Regional institutions will deepen coordination on energy access and efficiency reforms.
Bottom Line
ECOWAS is pushing an ambitious energy transition plan that aims to significantly expand renewable energy use and improve electricity access across West Africa by 2030, while addressing persistent infrastructure and efficiency challenges.
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