Experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states gathered in Lomé on October 5 to review and validate energy efficiency data within the regional community. The meeting was opened by Togo's Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Energy, and Mining Resources, Eklo Koffi Messan. The workshop is organized by the Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of ECOWAS (CEREEC), the ECOWAS Commission, and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African Union.
The meeting follows the first edition of the "Report on Energy Efficiency in ECOWAS: Indicators and Statistics for the Period 2018-2022," launched on August 12, 2025, by the three institutions. This initial phase established a regional data collection framework based on harmonized forms, which were used to gather data for 2023 and 2024. The data is now being examined by participants, who will discuss and validate the information, identify potential discrepancies, and seek ways to harmonize it.
The five-day workshop aims to provide reliable and representative information on the energy situation in ECOWAS member states. The results will contribute to the development of a report on the evolution of energy efficiency in relation to regional policy objectives. Energy efficiency is a crucial lever for optimizing production capacities, strengthening enterprise competitiveness, and improving household living conditions while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the implementation of energy efficiency measures is hindered by a lack of reliable and harmonized data. Better knowledge of sectoral consumption, energy losses, and equipment performance will enable more effective public policy orientation and facilitate the mobilization of financing. Togo has made efforts to improve access to electricity and strengthen energy infrastructure, with a goal of achieving 100% access to electricity by 2030.
According to Minister Delegate Eklo Koffi Messan, Togo has made significant progress, increasing access to electricity from 75% at the end of 2025 to a projected 100% by 2030. He cited the deployment of thousands of kilometers of medium-voltage lines, the creation of tens of thousands of low-cost connections through the Tinga Fund, and the equipment of hundreds of thousands of rural households with solar kits under the CIZO program.
The minister emphasized the importance of energy efficiency data for public policy development. He noted that Togo is committed to extending access to electricity and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 7. The country's efforts include the deployment of mini-grids and the development of new electricity production capacities.
The validation of energy efficiency data will enable ECOWAS member states to better understand their energy situations and develop more effective policies. The results of the workshop will contribute to the development of a comprehensive report on energy efficiency in the region, providing a reliable basis for decision-making and investment.
Key points
- Experts from ECOWAS member states are meeting in Lomé to validate energy efficiency data.
- The meeting aims to provide reliable and representative information on the energy situation in ECOWAS member states.
- Togo has made significant progress in improving access to electricity, with a goal of achieving 100% access by 2030.
