By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing renewable energy’s contribution to West Africa’s electricity mix to 48% by 2030 as part of efforts to expand access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy across the sub-region.
The target was announced on Wednesday during the ongoing delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Dakar, Senegal.
The Director of Cabinet, Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Abdou Kolley, represented by the Acting Director of Energy and Mines, Mr Williams Baidoe, disclosed the plan while addressing 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 said the regional bloc remained focused on extending affordable and dependable electricity services to communities across West Africa while strengthening regional energy systems.
According to him, ECOWAS’ renewable energy policy is designed to increase the contribution of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48% of the region’s electricity mix by 2030.
“The renewable energy policy aims to raise the share of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48% by 2030, while the energy efficiency policy seeks to reduce electricity losses currently estimated at between 35 and 40% 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,” he said.
Kolley described the parliamentary engagement as an opportunity for lawmakers and stakeholders to deepen discussions around energy challenges and identify workable approaches for promoting inclusive development throughout the region.
He highlighted ongoing interventions introduced by ECOWAS to strengthen energy access, including a gender-responsive framework anchored on the updated ECOWAS Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Policy and Energy Efficiency Policy.
He also disclosed that the commission had recently adopted the ECOWAS Climate Strategy to align efforts among member states toward climate adaptation and mitigation.
According to him, specialised regional institutions are supporting implementation efforts through infrastructure development and energy integration.
“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 said.
Kolley stressed that electricity access extends beyond household lighting, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth, improved healthcare delivery and quality education in both rural and urban communities.
He said ECOWAS was working with member states, technical and financial institutions and other stakeholders to mobilise resources, build capacity and expand clean energy markets across West Africa.
He expressed confidence that recommendations from the meeting would contribute to developing innovative solutions aimed at accelerating universal energy access and advancing shared prosperity across the region.