Engineer Sule Abdulaziz has been re-elected as the chairman of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) Executive Board for another three-year tenure. During the 68th Meeting of the WAPP Executive Board in Lome, Togo, Abdulaziz emphasised the need for network synchronisation of West African countries. He described synchronisation as a major technical achievement that must be supported by co-ordinated system operation, appropriate security arrangements, and market readiness of participants and stakeholders.
Abdulaziz moved for the launch of the regional electricity market, stressing that statutory contributions remain the foundation of WAPP's autonomy and ability to act. He urged member utilities to honour their financial obligations while the secretariat continues to pursue cost-reduction efforts without weakening its critical functions. The chairman also highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in building a more viable regional electricity market.
The WAPP Executive Board chairman recalled that the 67th meeting had approved principles for the progressive establishment of the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO). He said the task before the board is to ensure those decisions are implemented within a sound legal, institutional, and financial framework that protects the interests of WAPP and its members. Abdulaziz thanked members of the executive board for the confidence reposed in him and promised to continue working with the team to advance WAPP's cause.
Secretary-General of WAPP and Secretary of the Executive Board, Mr. Abdoulaye Dia, noted that since the 67th session, WAPP has continued to implement guidelines on institutional strengthening and the progressive operationalisation of the ISMO. Dia said the progress made and increased visibility of the institution have earned it new partnerships, and reaffirmed the secretariat's commitment to building an integrated, reliable, and competitive regional electricity system.
The 68th Board Meeting welcomed new representatives of member utilities of the board, including Mr. Lawrent Tossou, the new Managing Director of Société Béninoise d'Énergie Électrique (SBEE). The board also reviewed membership applications from four utilities in the sub-region that have expressed the desire to become members of the pool. They are Konexa from Nigeria; SOGESART – Société de Gestion de l'Énergie de Sambangalou et du Réseau de Transport d'Électricité from Senegal; SOGEOH – Société de Gestion de l'Énergie des Ouvrages du Haut Bassin du Fleuve Sénégal; and HOLDEN – Niger SARL, an Independent Power Producer (IPP) from the Republic of Niger.
The board discussed the restructuring study on the operationalisation of the ISMO, which is in line with global best practice and necessary to mitigate political interference as the WAPP market continues to evolve. The board also adopted the Charter of the Forum for Women in Energy in West Africa and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Millennium Challenge Account Côte d'Ivoire. Meanwhile, the board reviewed the status of member contributions and the Pool's 2025 financial statements.
The four utilities seeking membership will be ratified at the WAPP General Assembly to be held before the end of the year. Abdulaziz and Dia emphasised the need for regular funding, rigorous management, and collective discipline to ensure WAPP's credibility and service delivery. The WAPP Executive Board meeting concluded with a commitment to building a more integrated and reliable regional electricity system.
Key points
- Engineer Sule Abdulaziz re-elected as WAPP chairman calls for network synchronisation.
- WAPP to implement guidelines on institutional strengthening and operationalisation of ISMO.
- Four utilities seek membership in WAPP, to be ratified at the General Assembly.
