Beyond Bulbs: ECOWAS Experts Say Electricity Is the Key To Rural Prosperity
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Energy access is increasingly being recognised as an economic development tool rather than simply a source of lighting, with experts urging West African governments to harness electricity to drive jobs, agro-processing, healthcare and rural prosperity.
This message dominated discussions at the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament delocalised meeting, where experts told lawmakers that expanding electricity access could unlock significant economic opportunities across rural communities.
Presenting a paper on the impact of energy access on rural economies, energy expert Hary Andriantavy of the African Association for Rural Electrification (CLUB-ER) said electricity is essential for productive activities, improved education and healthcare services, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted successful renewable energy projects in Mali, Benin and Togo, where mini-grids and electrified economic zones have boosted local businesses, increased agricultural value addition, created jobs and improved living standards.
Andriantavy urged ECOWAS parliamentarians to strengthen policies that support renewable energy investments, establish dedicated energy funds, provide tax incentives for clean energy technologies and create favourable legal frameworks for decentralised power systems.
He also called on lawmakers to use their oversight powers to ensure accountability and adequate funding for energy programmes, stressing that universal electricity access remains critical to reducing poverty and accelerating sustainable development across West Africa.
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