ECOWAS Parliament Advocates Renewable Energy Drive To Transform Rural Economies Across West Africa
With millions of West Africans still lacking reliable access to electricity, leaders at a decentralised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliamentary Joint Committee in Dakar have called for stronger investment in renewable energy to accelerate rural electrification and drive economic growth across the region.
Opening the meeting, Hon. Babacar Ndiaye, Chairman of the Energy and Mineral Resources Committee of Senegal’s National Assembly, representing the President of the National Assembly, stressed that energy remains the foundation of industrialisation, economic competitiveness and improved living standards.
Addressing delegates from ECOWAS member states, Ndiaye said rural electrification is one of the most effective tools for inclusive development, enabling farmers to process produce, young people to establish businesses, students to study under better conditions and health facilities to deliver quality services.
He highlighted successful renewable energy initiatives across the region, citing Senegal’s Bokhol, Malicounda, Kahone and Sakal solar power plants, Cape Verde’s progress in clean energy generation, Ghana’s solar mini-grids, Niger’s stand-alone solar systems for schools and health centres, and Côte d’Ivoire’s expanding rural electrification programmes.
“These examples show that when political will is backed by investment, innovation and strong partnerships, energy becomes a powerful driver of economic and social transformation,” Ndiaye said.
He urged ECOWAS and national parliaments to champion legislation that encourages renewable energy investments, supports universal access to electricity and promotes regional policy harmonisation to advance the energy transition.
Representing Senegal’s Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Deputy Director of the ECOWAS National Office, Mamadou Moustapha Seck, commended parliamentarians for prioritising renewable energy as a pathway to achieving universal energy access by 2030.
Seck noted that renewable energy offers a cleaner and more affordable alternative to conventional energy sources and called on member states to strengthen commitments to energy transition policies.
He also drew attention to the financial difficulties facing the West African Power Pool (WAPP), warning that declining contributions from member companies threaten the viability of the regional electricity network. He appealed to parliamentarians to advocate for urgent solutions.
Participants are expected to examine regional energy policies, financing opportunities and the impact of energy access on rural economies, with recommendations aimed at accelerating universal electricity access and strengthening livelihoods across West Africa.
