AU, ECOWAS advance regulatory readiness for continental electricity trading under AfSEM
Date: 2025-11-30
By: Robert Annor
The
African Union has concluded a three-day Regional Appraisal Workshop in Abuja
focused on strengthening regulatory readiness and institutional capacity for
continental electricity trading under the African Single Electricity Market
(AfSEM). The workshop, held in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission, brought
together senior officials from ECOWAS Member States, national regulatory
bodies, and key development partners working to advance Africa’s integrated
power market aspirations under Agenda 2063.
Participants
engaged in extensive discussions aimed at harmonizing electricity regulations,
enhancing institutional frameworks, and supporting the integration of
infrastructure through the Continental Power Systems Master Plan. The workshop
reaffirmed collective commitment to building One African Power Market capable
of delivering reliable, affordable, and clean electricity across the continent.
Key
outcomes included consensus on the need to accelerate regulatory harmonization,
develop liquidity and payment security mechanisms, and establish a
Pre-Investment Support Window to enhance project preparation and investment
flow. The AU emphasized that this initiative forms part of broader efforts to
create a sustainable and competitive electricity market that will support
Africa’s industrialization and improve access to power for households and
future generations.
The
workshop marks a significant step toward achieving a unified continental
electricity market, strengthening collaboration between regional blocs, and
ensuring Africa is better positioned to attract investment and deploy
large-scale energy infrastructure.
