ECOWAS Partners with Energy China to Enhance West Africa’s Power System

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced discussions with Energy China International, aiming to enhance cooperation on power infrastructure development throughout West Africa.

This engagement took place in Abuja, where officials from ECOWAS' Energy and Mines Directorate convened with representatives from the Chinese firm to explore collaborative opportunities for regional energy projects.

The meeting was attended by officials from the West African Power Pool (WAPP), tasked with coordinating electricity generation and transmission among the ECOWAS member states.

Key topics discussed included the expansion of electricity access, improvement of grid reliability, and exploration of financing options to support priority projects within the power sector of the region.

William Baidoe, the Acting Director of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance electricity distribution networks and establish energy storage solutions to stabilize power supply.

Moreover, Kodjo Afidegnon, WAPP's Director of Planning, Investment Programming, and Environmental Safeguards, presented significant projects outlined in the ECOWAS Master Plan (2019–2033).

These projects encompass major regional interconnections such as the CLSG project, which links Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea; the North Core project connecting Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin; the OMVG project that links Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau; and the Medium Backbone project that stretches across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire.

Afidegnon also pointed out that these initiatives present considerable investment prospects for international partners and energy companies.

Huang Aijun, General Manager of Energy China, reiterated the company's commitment to supporting ECOWAS's projects by providing technical expertise across both conventional and renewable energy, as well as facilitating financial access.

Both parties agreed to continue their engagements to evaluate project feasibility and pinpoint specific areas for collaboration.

ECOWAS affirmed that these discussions are part of a broader strategy to mobilize investments, increase electricity access, and promote sustainable energy development across West Africa.