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ECOWAS targets 48% renewable energy share by 2030 – EnviroNews
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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is targeting an increase in the share of renewable energy in West Africa’s electricity mix to 48 per cent by 2030.
The regional bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for communities across West Africa by the projected year.
Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet, Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the ongoing delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Dakar, Senegal.
Kolley, represented by Mr. Williams Baidoe, ECOWAS Acting Director, Energy and Mines, said the commission remained committed to expanding access to affordable and reliable electricity across the sub-region.
He spoke at the meeting of the parliament’s Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources.
The meeting is themed: “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and Empowerment of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
Kolley said ECOWAS’ renewable energy policy was designed to increase the contribution of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48 per cent of the regional electricity mix by 2030.
He added that the bloc’s energy efficiency policy was aimed at reducing electricity losses, currently estimated at between 35 and 40 per cent, due to outdated infrastructure.
“The renewable energy policy aims to raise the share of renewable sources, including large hydropower, to 48 per cent by 2030, while the energy efficiency policy seeks to reduce electricity losses currently estimated at between 35 and 40 per cent due to obsolete infrastructure.
“We continuously imagine the lives of families being illuminated with hope, students able to study after sunset, health centres able to save more lives, and citizens finding new economic opportunities in their own communities,” he said.
He noted that the meeting provided lawmakers with an opportunity to engage stakeholders, deepen their understanding of energy challenges and identify practical measures to accelerate inclusive development across the region.
Kolley highlighted key initiatives introduced by ECOWAS to address energy access challenges, including a gender-responsive policy framework anchored on the updated ECOWAS Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Policy and Energy Efficiency Policy.
He added that the commission recently adopted the ECOWAS Climate Strategy to harmonise member states’ efforts toward addressing climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures.
“The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), are working to strengthen regional energy integration and develop infrastructure needed to deliver affordable and sustainable energy services,” he said.
The ECOWAS official stressed that access to electricity was beyond lighting homes, noting that it was a driver of economic growth, improved healthcare delivery and quality education in both rural and urban communities.
He said the commission was collaborating with member states, technical and financial partners and other stakeholders to mobilise resources, strengthen capacity and promote clean energy markets across West Africa.
Kolley added that recommendations from the meeting would support ongoing efforts to develop innovative solutions for accelerating universal energy access and promoting shared prosperity in the sub-region.
By Mark Longyen
