Guinea's Prime Minister Bah Oury has urged West African countries to strengthen regional energy cooperation, emphasizing the need for a more integrated, efficient, and solidarity-based energy space. Speaking at the 21st General Assembly of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) in Conakry, Oury highlighted the importance of pooling resources, infrastructure, and production capacities to address regional energy challenges. He noted that national efforts alone have not been sufficient to overcome these challenges.
Oury stressed that a new approach is required, focusing on regional complementarity of resources, infrastructure, and production capacities. He acknowledged the role of WAPP in building a regional electricity market through network interconnection and facilitating cross-border trade. The Prime Minister envisioned a West African energy community with shared management and performance standards, replacing the current juxtaposition of national electrical systems.
To achieve this goal, Oury emphasized the need for constant political will and mobilization of all sector actors. He called on states to establish favorable institutional and regulatory frameworks for regional projects and encouraged independent producers and technical and financial partners to invest in production capacities and transport infrastructure. Oury also stressed that energy must remain accessible and affordable to support economic activities.
The Prime Minister highlighted Guinea's commitment to regional energy cooperation, citing the country's hosting of the 21st General Assembly as evidence of its strengthened engagement. He reaffirmed the government's determination to implement reforms, encourage investments in the electricity sector, and promote partnerships around national energy infrastructure. Oury also linked the success of Guinea's Simandou 2040 program to a profound transformation of the country's energy sector.
Oury noted that Guinea already has significant hydroelectric infrastructure, including the Kaléta and Souapiti dams, which must contribute to increasing the country's energy capacities and consolidating its interconnection with regional electricity networks. He also mentioned the Koukoutamba and Sambangalou projects, demonstrating West African countries' willingness to share resources and strengthen energy cooperation.
The Prime Minister recalled that Guinea, under President Mamadi Doumbouya's leadership, is committed to supporting this collective ambition and actively contributing to a more integrated, efficient, and solidarity-based West African energy space. He invited stakeholders to prioritize structuring projects, sustainable partnerships, and financing mechanisms that meet the region's growing energy needs.
The 21st WAPP General Assembly brought together regional energy stakeholders to discuss cooperation and integration challenges. Oury's call for enhanced regional cooperation reflects the growing recognition of the need for a unified approach to addressing West Africa's energy challenges. The outcome of the assembly is expected to shape the region's energy landscape and inform future cooperation efforts.
Key points
- Guinea's Prime Minister Bah Oury calls for regional energy cooperation to address West Africa's energy challenges.
