ECOWAS Lawmakers Hail Senegal’s Solar Success, Seek More Investment For Rural Communities
Reliable electricity is proving to be a catalyst for rural transformation in West Africa, but sustaining that progress will require stronger investment and innovation.
Members of the ECOWAS Parliament have called for increased funding and improved energy storage systems after a visit to the solar-powered Commune of Ndiob in Senegal’s Fatick Region revealed both the benefits and growing limitations of rural renewable energy projects.
The lawmakers, attending a delocalised meeting on renewable energy and rural electrification, toured the Ndiob solar facility managed by Green Impact West Africa and witnessed how access to clean energy has improved livelihoods, boosted local businesses, enhanced healthcare services and created opportunities for women and young people.
The solar-powered installation currently supplies electricity to households, businesses and social institutions across several villages, reducing dependence on kerosene lamps and generators while supporting agriculture through cold storage facilities.
However, residents and operators warned that rising demand is stretching the system beyond its capacity, resulting in low and irregular power supply.
ECOWAS Parliamentarians urged communities to embrace renewable energy entrepreneurship, with Vice Chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, Hon. Ahmed Munir, encouraging youths to explore opportunities in solar installation and maintenance.
Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Senator Ali Ndume, also challenged women to leverage solar-powered equipment to expand income-generating activities.
Resident Mustafa Faye described the project as transformative but stressed the need for larger battery storage systems and additional investment to meet growing electricity needs.
The visit underscored the promise of renewable energy in driving rural development while highlighting the urgent need for stronger infrastructure, local capacity building and supportive policies to ensure long-term sustainability across West Africa.
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