Jane Salihu
Dakar, Senegal,
The Joint Committee on Energy and Mines, Infrastructure, and Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources of the ECOWAS Parliament has called for accelerated deployment of renewable energy solutions to drive rural electrification and revitalise rural economies across West Africa, following the adoption of far-reaching resolutions and recommendations at the close of its five-day delocalised meeting in Dakar, Senegal.
The meeting, held from June 15 to 19 under the theme, “Harnessing Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification and the Revitalisation of Rural Economies in the ECOWAS Region: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament,” concluded with the adoption of the Joint Committee’s report after extensive deliberations by lawmakers from across the region.
During the closing session, the Rapporteur presented the draft report, which captured the outcomes of technical presentations, panel discussions, and a field visit to renewable energy installations. Members of Parliament carefully reviewed the document, making observations and proposing amendments aimed at strengthening its recommendations and ensuring that it reflected the realities and aspirations of ECOWAS citizens.
Following contributions from lawmakers and subsequent adjustments by the Secretariat, the report was unanimously adopted alongside a set of resolutions and recommendations designed to enhance access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy in rural communities.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting was the call for greater deployment of decentralised energy solutions such as mini-grids and off-grid systems, harmonisation of regulatory frameworks, strengthened innovative financing mechanisms, and increased parliamentary oversight of energy projects.
The Joint Committee also emphasized the need to promote quality standards for renewable energy equipment, expand access to financing for productive uses of energy, strengthen youth capacity through technical training, and mainstream gender considerations to ensure women benefit fully from energy initiatives.
Members further urged stronger regional coordination mechanisms, increased support for the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), and enhanced consultation with parliamentarians in the implementation and monitoring of regional projects.
The lawmakers also called for urgent action to address the financial challenges facing the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and reaffirmed the continuity of regional energy projects involving countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in line with existing contractual commitments.
In her closing ceremony, the Joint Committee Chairman, Hon. Fanta Conte, commended members for their active participation and constructive contributions throughout the meeting. She stressed that rural electrification must go beyond providing electricity to households and should serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation, agricultural productivity and the empowerment of women and young people.
Hon. Conte noted that the recommendations adopted in Dakar provide a clear roadmap for accelerating the energy transition and achieving universal access to electricity in the region. She urged parliamentarians to use their legislative, oversight and advocacy roles to support the implementation of regional energy policies and mobilise the political will needed to unlock investments in renewable energy.
She further emphasized that the future of West Africa’s rural economies depends on the ability of Member States to harness their abundant renewable energy resources and transform them into engines of sustainable development and regional integration.
The meeting ended with expressions of appreciation to the Government and people of Senegal for hosting the session and providing a conducive environment for fruitful deliberations.
Participants pledged to continue to working collectively towards achieving ECOWAS Vision 2050 and ensuring that no rural community is left behind in the region’s energy transition.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings