The Cedeao-Ue Energy Partnership Forum 2026 opened in Cotonou, Benin, on November 12, 2026. The forum aims to address the major challenge of accessing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy in West Africa. Participants include representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (Cedeao) and the European Union (Ue). The event features the launch of two regional programs with three projects focused on energy governance and clean cooking.
The forum's opening ceremony was attended by Édouard Dahomé, Director of Cabinet of the Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines. He emphasized the crucial link between energy access and productive activities, such as irrigation, conservation, and product transformation in agriculture. Dahomé highlighted the need for solar equipment adapted to producers' needs, sustainable water resources, and commercial outlets.
Two programs were launched under the Ue's African Initiative for Green Energy. The first program supports Cedeao's specialized organizations in the energy sector, aiming to strengthen institutional capacities. It includes two projects: Regis-Wa, which establishes a regional energy governance and information system for West Africa, and the Cereec master plan, supported by the Ue and French government.
The second program, Action régionale pour la cuisson propre en Afrique de l'Ouest (Reccawa), focuses on accelerating the adoption of clean cooking solutions in West Africa. Reccawa is co-financed by the Ue and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with implementation support from the Cereec, Aecid, and Rvo. The program seeks to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce dependence on traditional cooking fuels.
Arkadius Koumoin, Cedeao's Director of Energy and Mines, stressed the importance of translating regional initiatives into concrete results for populations and economies. He emphasized the need for reliable data to inform policies and measure progress. Christian Frigaard Rasmussen, Ue representative, reaffirmed the Ue's commitment to supporting Cedeao and highlighted the region's potential in renewable energies.
Discussions at the forum also centered on the role of energy in food systems, with a presentation on Cedeao's Energy Transition Mechanism for Food Systems (Eetfs). The mechanism plans to launch a call for proposals to support innovative projects. Cedeao representative Siaka Cissoko emphasized the significance of these actions in achieving the organization's Vision 2050.
The forum concluded on November 13, 2026, with exchanges between technical and financial partners. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss regional energy cooperation, governance, and sustainable energy solutions. Key outcomes include the launch of new programs and projects aimed at promoting energy access, clean cooking, and regional cooperation in West Africa.
Key points
- The Cedeao-Ue Energy Partnership Forum 2026 launches two regional programs to enhance energy governance and promote clean cooking solutions in West Africa.
