The 21st General Assembly of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) is currently underway in Conakry, Guinea, from November 5 to 7. The event has drawn delegations from ECOWAS member states, national electricity companies, independent producers, and technical and financial partners. The assembly's theme, "Consolidating the Regional Electricity Market: A Lever for Resilience in West Africa," reflects the focus on strengthening regional energy cooperation and integration.
The assembly aims to review the organization's activities, examine the progress of priority projects, and define strategic orientations for the coming years. Key discussions will center on the role of cross-border exchanges and the complementarity of energy resources in promoting regional energy integration. The event also provides a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in addressing common challenges in the energy sector.
Électricité de Guinée (EDG) Director General, Gando Barry, welcomed delegates to Conakry, expressing his gratitude to President Mamadi Doumbouya for his support. Barry emphasized the importance of regional energy cooperation, stating that it enables countries to share resources, develop exchanges, and strengthen solidarity between their electrical systems. He also highlighted the need for trust and cooperation among WAPP member countries to achieve common goals.
WAPP Secretary-General, Abdoulaye Dia, noted that Guinea's hosting of the assembly demonstrates its commitment to regional energy cooperation. Dia emphasized the importance of interconnecting networks and creating a competitive electricity market in West Africa. He also announced that WAPP had successfully synchronized the networks of its 15 member countries, enabling them to operate together seamlessly.
The assembly also heard from Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, President of WAPP's Executive Council, who reaffirmed the organization's commitment to building a reliable and sustainable regional electricity system. Guinea's Energy Minister, Laye Sékou Camara, praised WAPP's achievements, including the synchronization of the 15 member countries' networks. He also announced plans to strengthen cooperation with other regional organizations, such as the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS).
The 21st WAPP General Assembly provides a critical platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in West Africa's energy sector. Key points include the need for increased regional cooperation, the importance of integrating energy systems, and the potential for a competitive electricity market to drive economic growth and development. The assembly's outcomes are expected to shape the future of regional energy cooperation in West Africa.
Key points
- The 21st WAPP General Assembly aims to consolidate the regional electricity market and promote energy cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
- The assembly discusses priority projects, including the interconnection of electrical networks and the development of a competitive electricity market.
- The event brings together delegates from ECOWAS member states, national electricity companies, and other stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in addressing common energy challenges.
