CIGRE West Africa Achieves Milestones in Power Sector Development

The CIGRE West Africa National Committee has reported notable achievements in 2026, according to Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Committee and Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Speaking at the 7th Session of the General Assembly in Conakry on November 7, 2026, Abdulaziz attributed the progress to the collective commitment and active contributions of members. The Committee's accomplishments include hosting CIGRE Training Sessions and Study Committee meetings in Dakar in March 2026.

One of the Committee's major achievements was a joint project with VRA Academy and NAPTIN, which secured a grant of €88,700 from the CIGRE Fund for Innovation and Education. The project aims to equip young women with skills in solar energy and mini-grid technologies, representing a strategic investment in human capital development and the future of the regional power sector. This initiative is particularly significant as West Africa advances towards the second phase of the Regional Electricity Market.

The Regional Electricity Market seeks to establish an organised and competitive electricity market through the integration of national power systems into a unified regional grid operating at a common frequency. However, Engr. Abdulaziz noted that the regional power system remains weakly interconnected, with limited reserve capacity. He emphasised that capacity building must be regarded as a strategic investment in system security, improved utility performance, and the overall success of the Regional Electricity Market.

To ensure sustainable financing and continuity of the Committee's programmes and activities, Abdulaziz recalled the resolutions reached at the Lomé General Assembly on the establishment of a pooled funding mechanism and a minimum annual operating budget of €213,940. He urged members to take necessary steps to implement these resolutions. The Committee's sustainability is crucial to its long-term success and impact in the region.

The CIGRE West Africa National Committee was officially recognised by CIGRE International in August 2020, providing member utilities and industry professionals with access to CIGRE's extensive knowledge network, technical publications, and the work of its 16 Study Committees. The Committee's recognition also offers benefits such as representation and voting rights within CIGRE, opportunities to nominate experts to technical committees, and access to technical documents and publications.

Established in 2019 by electricity companies affiliated with the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the CIGRE West Africa National Committee aims to promote knowledge sharing, strengthen technical capacity, and showcase West African expertise in power systems. The Committee brings together power sector experts from across the region and beyond to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen professional networks.

The Committee's progress was highlighted at the 7th Session of the General Assembly, which was attended by power sector experts from across the region. The event provided a platform for delegates to participate actively in deliberations, stressing the importance of strengthening the Committee as a platform for professional development, technical knowledge sharing, and the advancement of regional expertise.

Key points

• CIGRE West Africa secured a grant of €88,700 for a joint project with VRA Academy and NAPTIN to equip young women with skills in solar energy and mini-grid technologies.
• The Committee's achievements include hosting CIGRE Training Sessions and Study Committee meetings in Dakar in March 2026.
• The Regional Electricity Market seeks to establish an organised and competitive electricity market through the integration of national power systems into a unified regional grid operating at a common frequency.