ECOWAS has started talks with Energy China International to strengthen West Africa’s electricity infrastructure and improve access to reliable power.
Officials from ECOWAS’ Energy and Mines Directorate, the West African Power Pool (WAPP), and Energy China met in Abuja to explore partnerships on regional energy projects.
Discussions focused on expanding electricity coverage, improving grid stability, and identifying funding for key projects across member states.
William Baidoe, Acting Director of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade electricity distribution networks and implement energy storage solutions to stabilize power supply.
Kodjo Afidegnon, WAPP’s Director of Planning, Investment Programming, and Environmental Safeguards, outlined major projects under the ECOWAS Master Plan (2019–2033).
These include the CLSG project linking Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea; the North Core project connecting Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin; the OMVG project linking Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau; and the Medium Backbone project covering Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Afidegnon said these initiatives offer strong investment opportunities for international energy partners.
Energy China’s General Manager, Huang Aijun, reaffirmed the company’s interest in supporting ECOWAS projects with technical expertise in both conventional and renewable energy, as well as financial backing.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions to assess project viability and identify concrete areas for collaboration. ECOWAS said the talks reflect its broader strategy to attract investment, expand electricity access, and promote sustainable energy development across West Africa.
